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Arizona Governor. Doug Ducey told the State Legislature, “This session, let’s expand school choice any way we can. Let’s think big and find more ways to get kids into the school of their parents’ choice. Send me the bills, and I’ll sign them.”
Less than seven months after his request for more school choice, the Arizona Legislature granted Ducey’s wish by passing a bill that goes above and beyond the governor’s goal of expanding the state’s current school choice program.
Arizona’s legislature passed HB2583, which was the country’s most comprehensive school choice legislation.
In short, the bill would allow all 1.1 million K-12 students in Arizona access to the state’s existing school choice program, known as Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.
This means, “Families who participate would receive over $6,500 per year per child for private school, homeschooling, ‘learning pods,’ tutoring, or any other kinds of educational service that would best fit their students’ needs outside the traditional public school system,” according to the Goldwater Institute.
In celebration of the bill’s passage, Ducey tweeted:
“Arizona has long been a pioneer in education choice. Now, with this historic expansion of ESAs, we’ll continue to charter the path for others to follow suit.”
Additionally, he tweeted:
“Education is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Kids and families should be able to access the school or learning program that best fits their unique needs — regardless of income. In Arizona, we’re making sure they have that choice.”
Ducey’s right, it is important that parents have the option to select which school their child goes to.
Most parents are in agreement with the simple truth that children need to be educated where they want.
According to a recent poll by RealClear Opinion Research, “the concept of school choice enjoys overwhelming support (72% vs. 18% opposed).”
It is also extremely popular for all demographics and regardless of party affiliation.
Per the RealClear poll, 72 percent of whites, 70 percent of blacks, 77 percent of Hispanics, and 66 percent of Asians “support the concept of school choice.” What’s more, 68 percent of Democrats, 82 percent of Republicans, and 67 percent of Independents believe parents should have the “the right to use the tax dollars designated for their child’s education to send their child to the public or private school which best serves their needs.”
Arizona has had a strong reputation for school choice. Empowerment Scholars Account (ESA) was launched by Arizona in 2011. The program attracted 144 people in 2012. In 2021, the program had 144 participants.
In 2020, dozens of Arizona parents testified before the Arizona State Board of Education, voicing their support for the state’s ESA program.
According to one mother:
“I am a parent of three children on ESA, but I also have a master’s degree in elementary education, and ESA has saved the educational lives of my three children. … We have tried public, private, and charter schools … [and] my child was able to meet some of her IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals in four months that no school had helped her to achieve in four years.”
Another mother chimed in, “ESA saved my son from a path that would have compromised him on a systemic level, ultimately hindering his ability to pursue secondary education, sustainable employment, and independent living.”
Many families in Arizona are stuck with the same educational choices for far too long. However, over the span of one decade, Arizona’s school choice program has already made a huge difference by offering hope to thousands of Arizona families. Arizona’s school choice program will now allow every student to take the course that is best suited for them.
Chris Talgo ([email protected]) The Heartland Institute’s senior editor.
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