Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has introduced a new statewide voucher program that would allocate $7,075 in public funds to 20,000 students for private school or home schooling. Professors Claire Smrekar and Joanne Golann from Vanderbilt University have raised concerns about the plan, as vouchers could drain funds from under-supported urban public schools, increase segregation, and lack accountability measures for student performance.
The Education Freedom Scholarship Act, as the plan is called, would allow all families in the state, regardless of income or school performance, to access vouchers. However, questions remain regarding how the success of the program will be measured and monitored, as well as the impact on public school funding and performance. The lack of school accountability measures in the governor’s plan is also worrisome, as studies have shown mixed and modest academic outcomes for voucher students.
There are also concerns about the eligibility screening for private schools participating in the program, as lax rules could lead to weak educational environments. Moreover, information on the voucher plans’ dissemination, enrollment criteria, and transportation design features are vague and should be scrutinized by the public and parents.
In conclusion, while Governor Lee’s plan aims to provide more school choices for students in Tennessee, it is crucial to address the potential drawbacks and ensure that all students have equal access and opportunities for quality education.
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