Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

School Vouchers

voucher verdict

National
May 15, 2019

D.C. voucher students don’t see test score gains, but are less likely to be frequently absent, latest research shows

The results are a mixed bag, but offer good news compared to earlier studies of D.C.’s program.

devos watch

Tennessee
May 6, 2019

Betsy DeVos praises Tennessee’s voucher program, but won’t say whether undocumented immigrants should be excluded

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said she was “thrilled” Tennessee has passed a voucher program, and that it was up to the state to work out if immigrant and undocumented students qualify for it.

devos watch

Chicago
May 3, 2019

Three things Betsy DeVos said in Chicago — and one big topic she didn’t address

Betsy DeVos talked about two kinds of vouchers and pushed for vocational education, but skirted mentioning Illinois' pushback against tax credits for school choice.

Big money

Indiana
April 23, 2019

Indiana’s proposed budget boosts education spending. But does it go far enough on teacher salaries?

Indiana lawmakers unveiled a revised budget Tuesday afternoon that would pump $539 million more into K-12 schools.

double take

Tennessee
March 15, 2019

Tennesseans consider Gov. Lee’s vouchers proposal — and wonder who will benefit most

The plan would make families of four earning up to about $92,000 — more than double Memphis’ median income — eligible for $7,300 in taxpayer money.

more questions

Tennessee
March 11, 2019

Here’s what Chalkbeat readers are asking about Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s voucher proposal

Do you have questions on Gov. Bill Lee's education savings account proposal? So do these Tennesseeans.

looking forward

Tennessee
January 2, 2019

Here are the education issues we’re watching in Tennessee’s statehouse in 2019

With a new governor, a new education commissioner, and new lawmakers steering school policy, 2019 could be a big year for education in the Tennessee statehouse.

Campaign stop

Tennessee
September 5, 2018

Tennessee’s Republican candidate for governor touts school choice, testing changes

There’s no silver bullet when it comes to improving education in the state, says Bill Lee, Tennessee’s Republican candidate for governor.
Indiana
February 20, 2018

Rise & Shine: Tracking the players behind Muncie schools’ money woes

8 things you need to know about Indiana education AN INTRODUCTION: We promised you’d get to meet Chalkbeat’s new Indiana bureau chief, Stephanie…

choice challenge

National
December 20, 2017

A Betsy DeVos-approved tax change is meant to make private school more affordable. Here’s why it might not work

There’s reason to believe that private schools are likely to raise tuition in response.

a chalkbeat cheat sheet

National
Updated May 16, 2019

Do school vouchers ‘work’? As the debate heats up, here’s what research really says

Do vouchers raise test scores or lower them? Do they damage public schools or push them to improve? Here's your cheat sheet to the big questions about school vouchers.

Leadership & Management

Indiana
April 10, 2017

A quiet change in Indiana law could mean a bigger voucher program — and a wild ride for families

During the first 24 years of the Milwaukee voucher program, 121 new private schools opened and nearly 70 percent of those schools later closed.

mayoral challenge

New York
December 21, 2016

Education candidate Josh Thompson challenging de Blasio with long-shot bid for mayor

Thompson supports school vouchers, charter schools and merit pay for educators -- all contentious issues in New York City, where the teachers union is famously strong.

vying for vouchers

New York
November 29, 2016

Could Donald Trump’s school voucher bonanza become a reality in New York City?

"It’s actually more of a threat than most people think."

back in court

Colorado
Updated April 19, 2016

Lawsuit from conservative group challenges Douglas County voucher program barring religious schools

A conservative legal group representing three Douglas County families filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday challenging a recently revamped school district voucher program that excludes religious…
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