The Oklahoman says ESAs beneficial

"Another way to improve education for many Oklahomans, even in a tough budget year, would be to pass Education Savings Accounts," the state's largest newspaper editorializes today.

With an ESA, parents would be able to take a portion of the per-pupil funding already allocated for their children and use it for private school tuition if a child's needs are not being met at a geographically assigned public school. While most families would still opt for their local public school, one size does not fit all, and there are many instances where a child who struggled in one environment thrives in another. ESAs can ensure more students get a quality education without increased funding in a tough budget year. 

Attraction to Sanders shows education failure

"The enthusiasm of our youth for the candidacy of Bernie Sanders," writes University of Oklahoma professor David Deming, "is a symptom of our failure to educate them, not only in history, government and economics, but also basic morality."

Teachers embrace National School Choice Week

Good article by Gary Beckner.

Choctaw teacher arrested, accused of sexual relationship with student

News 9 has the story.

OKC school bus driver arrested on assault complaint after altercation with student

KOCO has the story.

Lankford: Focus on children, not schools

"As many Americans recognized National School Choice Week this week," U.S. Sen. James Lankford writes today in the Tulsa World, "I believe the argument about school choice is not about the future of our schools, it is about the future of our children."

School leaders might argue to keep more money and control so they can make education improvements, but children in the school do not have time for hoped-for future improvements, they need help today. Why would we ever tell a parent to sacrifice their child’s future so we can protect a school today? 

Our state will face a lot of tough decisions in the coming days, including education. I have the highest confidence that state legislators and Oklahomans will step up to the plate and make good decisions with their recaptured education authority. Practical quality education is possible and expected. 

Oklahomans want a great future for their kids that will begin with empowered parents and expanded educational opportunities for every child, no matter where they live. In 2016, our state has an opportunity to lead and prove to all of America that strong families and a great education provide the best future for our kids.

Cruz introduces ESA legislation

Even as several Oklahoma state lawmakers are working to create an education savings account (ESA) program for Oklahoma students, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has introduced legislation to create an ESA program for students in Washington, D.C.

Lankford recognizes National School Choice Week

"Parents should have all the tools necessary to ensure their child will receive the best education, no matter economic status or home address," says Sen. James Lankford. "Kids can’t wait for schools to improve. Their educational opportunity is now. Oklahomans want a great education for their families, and I am proud to sponsor the ‘National School Choice Week’ resolution as a reminder that we need to continue to work toward educational goals that allow more flexibility for parents to make the decisions that are best suited for their kids."

OSU prof: Oklahoma education problems 'not due to underfunding'

Oklahoma State University entrepreneurship professor Vance Fried says in a new paper that Oklahoma’s public education problems "are not due to underfunding. Since 1972, per pupil spending has almost doubled in real terms with no improvement in academic outcomes." 

Today in The Journal Record, OCPA president Jonathan Small lauds Fried's analysis and says it’s time to empower parents with education savings accounts (ESAs).

Tax-credit-financed ESAs?

Former OCPA research assistant Patrick Gibbons discusses them here.

School choice could improve life for teachers

Mary Clare Reim explains how.

ESAs could be a game-changer for Oklahoma parents

Here's Vicki Alger in the Edmond Sun.

'Superintendent Hofmeister supports school choice'

This according to a representative for Oklahoma State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, who told KTEN: "Superintendent Hofmeister supports school choice. But her commitment to school choice also means working to make the neighborhood school, the school of choice for parents."

This is a reasonable, balanced approach, and perfectly consistent with what Superintendent Hofmeister has been saying since she took office.