Northern Institute ’s Post

Last month, the Center on Reinventing Public Education released its third State of the American Student report. Among the report’s many findings: college readiness in the U.S. is at a three-decade low, with more than 43% of test takers having met none of the ACT’s four major benchmarks. View the full report, which includes recommendations for schools, policymakers, advocates, and philanthropists: https://loom.ly/R_07W6s.

#ICYMI: 30 years of Milwaukee reforms yielded abundant school choice--- but scarce school quality, according to the new Wisconsin Policy Forum report on quality academic outcomes remaining elusive https://lnkd.in/gx5Bqb_G #EducationReform #SchoolChoice #AcademicOutcomes #WisconsinPolicy #SchoolReforms

Drew Landry's recent column challenges the notion of public schools as monopolies, arguing that this comparison oversimplifies the critical role schools play in creating equal opportunities for all children. Public education in Texas serves over 5.4 million students, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or zip code, has access to quality education. Systems like voucher programs often promise "choice" but risk leaving rural and underserved communities with fewer resources and opportunities. Instead of applying flawed economic analogies to justify policies, we should focus on strengthening public schools to equitably serve all students. As Texans, we must invest in improving public schools—not undermine them. The future of our communities depends on the strength of a system built to provide opportunity and equity for every student. https://zurl.co/kvxSA #TXed #SayNoToVouchers #TexasPublicSchools #TexasStudents

Today, educational choice has replaced accountability as the conservative goal in education policy. School choice allows more students to flee failing, ideological, disorderly public schools. It is based on a workable, indirect mode of accountability (dissatisfied parents can take their money elsewhere, while excellent schools will attract parents). Parents, not school districts, should make decisions about where students should attend school. The freedom of charter schools should be restored or expanded. https://lnkd.in/gBvFk6cC Toward a New Educational Federalism October 30, 2024

Exciting news for Texas students! The University of Texas System is expanding its free tuition program for low-income families, making higher education more accessible than ever. With $35 million allocated to support this initiative, eligible students can look forward to a brighter future without the burden of tuition fees. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dZKP6yXA #EducationForAll #UTSystem #FinancialAid #StudentSupport #HigherEducation #TuitionRelief #AffordableEducation #TexasStudents #FutureLeaders #CollegeAccess #EmpowerStudents 

Though provoking think piece. Really interesting to see post-16 highlighted here as one of the key factors in reducing attainment gaps in students.

For decades, public funds have been used to subsidize private schooling, but recent debates over the practice have been reinvigorated as the scope of these programs has soared. Historically, the majority of this funding was only available to students who were low income, had special needs or attended poorly performing public schools. Over the past three years, that’s shifted: Today, at least 33 states offer private school choice programs, and of those 12 are “universal,” meaning any student, regardless of income or need, can apply for government funding to subsidize private, religious and — in some cases — home schools. Comprehensive analysis of the scale of these initiatives and their implications — both for students and state budgets — has been sparse. But a report released earlier this month by FutureEd, a research think tank based at Georgetown’s School of Public Policy, looks to change that. https://lnkd.in/gWh28v-g

Georgia Promise Scholarship: What Eligible Families Need to Know Two weeks ago, I shared an overview of the Georgia Promise Scholarship program. Since then, the state has released a list of school districts where families may qualify for this $6,500 scholarship to cover private school tuition or homeschooling resources. While debates around diverting government funds from public education continue, my focus today is on helping eligible families navigate this opportunity. ✅ What to Know: Families in underperforming schools (bottom 25% statewide) may qualify. See the list of schools here. To apply, household income must generally be less than 400% of the federal poverty level ($125,000 for a family of four). Applications will open in early 2025, with funding available after July 1, 2025. 📌 Next Steps: Eligible families should stay informed about application updates and prepare to apply as soon as the portal opens. Bookmark mygeorgiapromise.org for details. This program is a significant development in Georgia’s education landscape. If your family or someone you know could benefit, don’t miss this opportunity. 👉 Follow for more updates and insights on education! Alt: AlphaBeth Studios Brand template with pupils dressed in white uniforms, and it carries the write up: Georgia students are now eligible for $6500 scholarships. Source: https://lnkd.in/ei2Mq4Uk #GeorgiaPromiseScholarship #EducationOpportunity #SchoolChoice #SupportingFamilies #IndependentContractor

The University of Michigan expands Go Blue Guarantee; Michigan families with annual incomes up to $125,000 to qualify for free tuition. #GoBlue Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9cYSqAx

This spring, the #PANeedsTeachers coalition, the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium, and other partners are heading to Harrisburg, but before we there there it’s important we tell legislators what matters to us: moving $75 million in funding for student teacher stipends forward along with $10 million for Grow-Your-Own programs. Establishing funding for student teacher stipends is a critical tool in our work to address teacher shortages in Pennsylvania. Student teachers gain hands-on experience while in classrooms learning from experienced teacher mentors and contribute immensely to our learners' current and future success. We must ensure these stipends have the opportunity to really impact student-teachers across the Commonwealth by fully funding them now. https://lnkd.in/evs7Vp6p? #PANEEDSTEACHERS