The year of universal school choice

In 1955, economist Milton Friedman saw a problem in public education . He saw a system aiming to create good citizens, to equip students with valuable professional skills, and missing at both for too many families. As a solution, Friedman suggested funding students directly and letting families, not the government, figure out the education best for their needs. He wrote, “Transitioning from a system in which money goes to schools to a system in which money goes to students will improve the quality of education.”

Seventy years later, we are finally approaching a world in which Friedman’s vision is reality. In 2021, seven states enacted new private choice programs, and 14 more expanded existing programs.

That’s why education reformers have rightly declared this the “year of educational choice.” The year 2023 is blowing all previous years out of the water. This year, there were 112 bills introduced in 40 states relating to education savings accounts, or ESAs, vouchers, tax-credit scholarships, and refundable tax credits. Seventy-nine percent of those bills were related to ESAs.

Please help put parents in charge of their child’s education by forwarding this article to other parents, family, friends and voters.

Other Articles

4 LA Teachers Surprised With $15,000 Jewish Educator Awards
The awards were presented during surprise assemblies by the Milken Family Foundation with Builders of Jewish Education.
Read More
High school students need time and space to read for pleasure. Here’s why it matters.
An English teacher and a school librarian in NYC launched an effort that is helping teens increase their reading stamina.
Read More
California school board president condemned for asking 'Christ centered' parents to join committees
A California school board president is facing backlash for urging "Christ centered" parents to join various district advisory committees.
Read More
Private child care in San Diego feeling the brunt of California's new free TK programs
Many teachers have left the private workforce to go work for Universal TK, compounding the teacher shortage
Read More
Enrollment drop to force closing of many California schools
A well-meaning but vague law could make it very difficult to shutter schools. State officials need to make sure districts follow best practices in such decisions.
Read More
Senate Bill 2 could increase teacher pay by several thousand dollars. Unions remain wary.
The bill would provide educators with a pay increase if it passes. Unions, however, worry it will inevitably be tied to the Senate's school voucher proposal.
Read More
California could require kids to learn how to manage money. Should voters decide curriculum?
A California ballot initiative would mandate a personal finance class in high school. Critics say voters shouldn't decide curriculum.
Read More
Commission offers teacher candidates a Road Map to Teaching
The latest education news updates from EdSource.
Read More

Get latest news delivered daily!

We will send you breaking news right to your inbox

© 2025 educationopportunity.org, Privacy Policy | FPPC #1460602