We can't rule out school choice

The issue of school choice was brought into the public forum by way of the courts this week. A judge dismissed a case of families seeking reimbursement for their tuition to send their children to a public school outside the unaccredited St. Louis Public School District. Though a retrospective lawsuit (that could unpredictably lead to infinitely more cases) is not the way to bring about this reform—the issue of parental choice is serious and extremely necessary! Parents deserve options in the face of failing schools—despite their financial conditions. Plans have been developed for Missouri using economically sound and empirically-proven methods. It is important for parents, the public, school officials and government politicians to come together behind school choice reforms—therefore creating the educational improvements our children deserve.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch news coverage

National Financial Crises Meets St. Louis Public School Crisis

With the economy in an obvious crisis state, education funding will take a hit. Though the impact may very start off in other areas, when states and cities start to see reductions for their projects they will feel the pressure to take from the schools. Unfortunately, government funding reduction for education is a reality that must be faced. That is why it is more important than ever to look outside simply pouring money into inefficient schools or unproven/expensive school reforms. We must make less money produce more results. On the brighter side, this can and has been done! By enacting reforms such as merit pay for teachers or schools choice options we can begin to see higher achievement without having to increase funding at all. We can not let money get in the way improving our children’s education!