Aspire Public Schools’ Post

"School choice has nothing to do with providing more choices. Its singular operative action is to require taxpayers to fund alternatives to the state-provided option. The question that needs an honest answer is, “Should they?”" Are you caught up in the emotional whirlwind that has polarized the topic of school choice? Read this article to discover what classical tools of reasoning you can use to escape the clutches of the "bandwagon fallacy." This article is a must read! https://lnkd.in/g6ee-Dxr #schoolchoice #laurengideon #homeschool #education #ClassicalConversations #educationalfreedom #choice #debate

Why doesn't funding act in the best interests of the students, instead of ineffectual bureaucratic institutions? Children have unique needs. Shouldn't the goal of public education be to maximize the potential of every student? Funding systems first, rather than students first inherently diminishes that potential. Read more: https://loom.ly/vlpX6oU #education #funding #charterschool #charterschools #choice #change

The Texas Association of School Boards shared valuable insights on school funding in Texas, shedding light on a critical issue. Many districts faced deficit budgets last year, with anticipated state aid not reaching local public schools. This year, the challenge persists, ultimately impacting teachers and support staff crucial to educating our youth. Increasing awareness among the general public in Texas is vital. The more we understand this issue, the better equipped we are to engage in meaningful discussions for the future of our state's children. #Education #SchoolFunding #TexasSchools

Having a Local School Council overseeing budget decisions is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability, especially when dealing with significant funding like the $2.8 billion federal COVID relief allocated to Chicago Public Schools. This funding has been instrumental in implementing essential programs for students to support them after the COVID-19 pandemic such as after-school activities, tutoring, and student support services, with the goal of improved academic outcomes. However, academic disparities persist among students in various schools despite these efforts. As federal funding diminishes, it becomes imperative to carefully prioritize budgets to preserve crucial programs and mitigate disruptions in student support. This highlights the necessity of community involvement in school decision-making processes, as it ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and that resources are allocated effectively to meet student needs. Moreover, having a local school council can enhance accountability by providing a direct link between the community and decision-makers. This democratic structure enables constituents to hold LSC members accountable for their actions and decisions, fostering greater transparency and trust in the education system. By actively participating in local school councils, community members can play a vital role in shaping the future of their schools and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students.

When we see figures like public schools being underfunded by $1.8 billion over four years, we must consider the real-world implications. That's fewer resources for students who often need them most, less support for dedicated teachers, and missed opportunities for communities that rely on strong public schools as centres of learning and growth. However, it's important that we don't view this as an us-versus-them scenario between public and private schools. Both have their place in a diverse educational landscape. The real issue is ensuring that our funding models genuinely reflect our values and priorities as a society. #education #funding #policy

Center for Educational Equity Executive Director Michael Rebell, who led a landmark case on NY's school funding formula 30 years ago, now calls for its overhaul. He argues that the current Foundation Aid formula is outdated and fails to address modern educational needs, particularly for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. "We have new needs like pandemic learning loss, and much greater concerns and issues about #mentalhealth throughout the state. So that’s why we’ve been saying for the last couple of years, 'What you really need to do is start from scratch and say, let’s look at current needs — and once we examine what those current needs are, let’s come up with a fair formula.' "Our position is: That is exactly what the Constitution requires." Read more about our mission to replace the Foundation Aid formula here: https://lnkd.in/g9T_93RS #EducationEquity #FoundationAid #SBE4All @Chalkbeat

Why is it that parents are not given the choice their children need to maximize their education? Children are forced into a system that is costly and ineffective, even though superior alternatives exist. https://loom.ly/vlpX6oU #education #alternatives #alternative #choice #funding

Schools Week reports that school funding is the most important education issue for teachers and leaders in the run-up to the general election, a new survey suggests. Read the full article here: 👉https://ow.ly/5yfi50S9SFv #Education #Schools #Funding #Teachers

As the 2024-25 school year quickly approaches, Texas school districts' financial challenges are becoming increasingly urgent. With historic inflation, the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds, and no new state funding since 2019, many districts are being forced to adopt deficit budgets and cut essential programs—all while $21.2 billion sits available in state funds. In a blog post for Raise Your Hand Texas, I dive into why this school funding crisis is happening and what it means for the future of education in Texas. It’s a complex issue, but one thing is clear: our students and educators deserve better. I encourage you to read the full post, share your thoughts, and join the conversation on how we can advocate for increased school funding. Together, we can ensure that every Texas student has the opportunity to succeed. 🧡 https://lnkd.in/gA-eJCKB

While “funding” or lack thereof, isn’t a valid reason to not provide a free and appropriate public education, it is absolutely a concern amongst school districts nationwide. We need better funding to all schools to assist them in funding special education fully. #specialeducation #specialeducationlaw #education #schooldistricts https://lnkd.in/gCNriPGV