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School choice Now:
The Power of
educational choice
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
how to USe thiS Yearbook
The School Choice Yearbook is a compendium of the nation’s most accurate data on school voucher and scholarship tax credit programs, an analysis of trends and information regarding school choice, a directory of accountability provisions and requirements for each program, and a chronicle of the past year’s school choice-related events and activities.
Malcom Glenn
randan Swindler
School choice Now:
The Power of
educational choice
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice now: the power of edUcational choice School Choice Yearbook 2012–13 An Annual Publication
published by: alliance for School choice 1660 l Street, nw, Suite 1000 washington, d.c. 20036 202.280.1990 www.allianceforSchoolchoice.org
copyright © 2013 alliance for School choice. all rights reserved.
authors: Malcom Glenn and randan Swindler with Greg Brock, Scott Jensen, whitney rhoades, Kristen Schuh, and John Schilling, with special thanks to Michelle Gininger
book design: alina Zenn
Printed in the united States of america
First Printing
cover image: Students appear at a rally for educational choice in raleigh, north carolina, on May 22, 2012.
Students rally for educational choice at the state Capitol in
Richmond, Virginia, on February 7, 2012.
Table of ConTenTs
Students celebrate at a National School Choice Week rally in Virginia in February. More than 3,500 events are held across the country during the week each year.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 5
P. 5 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
taBle of
contentS6 p The Power of Educational Choice
8 p What Is Educational Choice?
9 p Types of School Choice Programs
11 p Educational Choice Today
16 p School Choice Growth: New and Expanded Programs in 2012
17 p The Research Reality of Educational Choice
19 p Educational Choice in the News
20 p Year in Review
24 p Feature: The Faces of Educational Choice
26 p Feature: Athletes and Educational Choice
28 p Feature: Reach for the Summit
30 p Feature: Timeline of Educational Choice
33 p State Profiles
66 p Accountability Check
68 p Educational Choice Allies
70 p About Us
71 p Sources and Credits
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 6
Foreward by Kevin P. Chavous Executive Counsel, Alliance for School Choice
The Power of
educational choiceIn 1990, when the state of Wisconsin enacted the
nation’s first private school choice program, 337
children participated in the voucher program. Today—
thanks to the efforts of parents, advocates, and elected
officials—more children than ever before have access
to educational options, and 245,854 children are
participating in publicly funded private school choice programs all across the country.
From just a single program more than two decades ago, the school choice movement has
grown across the nation, garnering strong bipartisan support at the state, local, and federal
levels. We have a promise to our nation’s children to provide them with a world-class
education. Sadly, too many American children have been left behind in failing, often unsafe
schools. But we can—and have—reversed course. By providing meaningful educational
choices to families—especially low-income families—we can ensure that every child in
America has access to a great education.
The Alliance for School Choice’s 2012–13 Yearbook recounts the trends, data, and latest
research on the 32 publicly funded private school choice programs in 16 states and
Washington, D.C. In the pages of the Yearbook, you will meet the students whose lives
have been changed thanks to access to educational options—and learn how accountability,
new and expanded programs, and public opinion continue to shape our education policy.
Thank you for reading our latest Yearbook and for joining me in the fight to provide our
children with the educational options they deserve.
Sincerely,
Kevin P. Chavous
Wisconsin students who participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice
Program enjoy recess together at their school.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 8
what is educational choice? Educational choice empowers parents to choose the educational setting that best fits their child’s needs, public or private. With educational choice, parents—who would otherwise not have a choice—pick the best schools for their child, whether it’s a traditional public school, an innovative public charter school, or a high-quality private school as a result of a scholarship.
types of educational choice
sChool VouChers
Voucher programs give children (usually children from low-income families, children in failing schools, or children with special needs) greater access to high-quality private schools. In voucher programs, education dollars “follow the child,” and parents select private schools and receive state-funded scholarships to pay tuition.
sCholarship Tax CrediTs
Scholarship tax credit programs give families greater access to high-quality private schools by providing incentives for businesses and individuals to get involved in education reform. In these programs, companies and individuals receive tax credits for donating to nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships to students.
eduCaTion saVings aCCounTs
Education savings account programs give parents the power to use their child’s state education dollars on a variety of educational options, including tuition and fees, textbooks, and tutoring. In these programs, families determine how to best use education funding for their children.
CharTer sChools
Charter schools are public schools run by educators, members of the community, or other bodies, using innovative and specialized education programs. These schools have a fair amount of autonomy and operate without the bureaucracy that often plagues traditional public schools.
VirTual sChools
Virtual, or online education, allows students to take one or all school courses online, allowing for more flexibility and options in education.
Magnet SchoolS
Magnet schools are public schools that offer specific education programs, often emphasizing academic subjects like math, science, and technology, or use specific instructional approaches.
indiVidual TuiTion Tax CrediTs
Individual state income tax credits of significant size can be used for a child’s educational expenses, including private school tuition, and can help families choose educational tools they otherwise could not afford.
homeshooling
Homeschooling has long been an educational option for families across the country. With the growth of online education and full curriculum available to parents, homeschooling allows parents the option of tailoring their children’s education at home.
publiC sChool ChoiCe
Public school choice allows students attending poor-performing public schools to attend a higher-performing public school inside or outside the student’s assigned school district. Public school choice is an important option for students assigned to failing schools because of their ZIP code.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 9
P. 9 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
Types of
School choice ProGraMSPrivate school choice programs—school vouchers, scholarship tax credits, and education savings accounts—are
designed to allow parents to choose the best education for their children. The strongest private school choice
programs are specifically designed for disadvantaged children who, without these educational options, would
be stuck in a school that does not meet their individual educational needs. School choice programs are often
designed to help children from low- or medium-income families, children stuck in poorly performing public
schools, or children with special learning needs.
Means-tested Programs
Means-tested programs are designed to serve students from low-income families to attend the school of their parents’
choice. These programs provide access to quality educational options that low-income families would not otherwise have.
Means-preferenced programs give preference to students from low-income families when granting scholarships through
these programs. The following programs help students from low-income families and students from middle-income families.
eighteen of the nation’s 32 private school choice programs are means tested or means preferenced.
VoUcherPrograms
indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program
Louisiana’s Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program*
ohio’s Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program
ohio’s Educational Choice Scholarship Program*
washington, d.C.’s D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program
wisconsin’s Milwaukee Parental Choice Program
wisconsin’s Racine Parental Choice Program
ScholarShipTax Credit Programs
arizona’s Corporate School Tuition Organization Tax Credit
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
indiana’s Corporate and Individual Scholarship Tax Credit Program
iowa’s Individual and Corporate Scholarship Tax Credit
Louisiana’s Tuition Donation Rebate Program*
new hampshire Education Tax Credit
oklahoma’s Equal Opportunity Education Scholarships*
Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit
Pennsylvania’s Educational Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit*
rhode island Corporate Scholarship Tax Credits
virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 10
failing Schools Programs
Failing schools programs help students stuck in persistently failing public schools. These programs allow students to attend the private or public school of their parents’ choice, providing immediate educational options to students. Four of the nation’s 32 private school choice programs are failing schools programs.
VoUcherPrograms
Louisiana’s Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program*
ohio’s Educational Choice Scholarship Program*
ScholarShip Tax Credit Programs
oklahoma’s Equal Opportunity Education Scholarships*
edUcation SaVingS accoUnt Programs
arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program*
Special needs Scholarship Programs
Special needs scholarship programs are private school choice programs designed specifically for students with special needs. These programs allow students to attend a public or private school that can address their specific learning needs. eleven of the nation’s 32 private school choice programs are specifically designed to serve students with special needs.
VoUcherPrograms
Florida’s John M. McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program
Louisiana’s School Choice Pilot Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities
Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program
ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program
ohio’s Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program
oklahoma’s Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program
utah’s Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship
ScholarShipTax Credit Programs
arizona’s Lexie’s Law
edUcation SaVingS Account Programs
arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program*
indiVidUal tUition Tax Credits
north Carolina’s Tax Credits for Children with Disabilities
* Some programs are designed to be both failing schools and means tested or means preferenced. In addition, some programs are designed for students with special needs and students stuck in failing schools.
tYpeS of School choice prograMS
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 11
P. 11 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
2012–13 Data
at a glance
* Information in the overall sections is not intended to add up to the numbers in the summary boxes. For example, some states have voucher and tax credit programs. Additionally, funding and student data for special needs scholarships is also included in data for vouchers, scholarship tax credit programs, and education savings account programs.
overaLL: states with Private school Choice Programs 16 + d.C. and douglas County, Co
States with Voucher Programs 9 + D.c. and Douglas county, co
States with Scholarship Tax credit Programs 11
States with education Savings Account Programs 1
States with Special Needs Scholarship Programs 9
overaLL: number of Private school Choice Programs 32
Number of Voucher Programs 16
Number of Scholarship Tax credit Programs 14
Number of education Savings Account Programs 1
Number of Special Needs Scholarship Programs 11
overaLL: Funds expended for Private school Choice Programs $963 million
Funds expended for Voucher Programs $553 million
Funds expended for Scholarship Tax credit Programs $405 million
Funds expended for education Savings Account Programs $5.2 million
Funds expended for Special Needs Scholarship Programs $233 million
overaLL: average scholarship amount in Private school Choice Programs $3,798
Average Scholarship Amount in Voucher Programs $5,686
Average Scholarship Amount in Scholarship Tax credit Programs $2,534
Average Scholarship Amount in education Savings Account Programs $14,000
Average Scholarship Amount in Special Needs Scholarship Programs $7,423
educational choice today Across the country, the momentum of providing educational choices to children has grown to include 32 publicly funded private school choice programs in 16 states and Washington, D.C. In 2012, five new programs were enacted and six programs were expanded. From the statewide expansion of Louisiana’s Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program to Virginia’s first scholarship tax credit program, the momentum of educational choice is ever present as more states work to enact, expand, and strengthen educational choice.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 12
state Program year enacted students in 2012–13 Funds expended in
2012–13
Arizona Arizona empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program 2011 302 $5,200,000
Scholarship Tax Credit Programs in the United States
Education Saving Accounts Programs in the United States
state Program year enacted students in 2012–13 Funds expended in
2012–13
Arizona individual School Tuition organization Tax credit 1997 24,327 $45,642,292
Arizona corporate School Tuition organization Tax credit 2006 5,838 $11,375,721
Arizona lexie’s law 2009 120 $585,572
Florida Florida Tax credit Scholarship 2001 50,821 $229,000,000
Georgia Georgia Scholarship Tax credit Program 2008 11,292 $51,500,000
indiana corporate and individual Scholarship Tax credit Program 2009 2,890 $2,542,649
iowa individual and corporate School Tuition organization Tax credit 2006 10,446 $13,461,537
louisiana Tuition Donation Rebate Program 2012 N/A N/A
New hampshire New hampshire education Tax credit 2012 N/A N/A
oklahoma equal opportunity education Scholarships 2011 35 $26,000
Pennsylvania educational improvement Tax credit 2001 42,149 $49,673,584
Pennsylvania educational equal opportunity Scholarship Tax credit 2012 N/A N/A
Rhode island Rhode island corporate Scholarship Tax credit 2006 382 $1,000,000
Virginia education improvement Scholarships Tax credits 2012 N/A N/A
148,300 $404,807,355
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 13
P. 13 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
state Program year enacted students in 2012–13 Funds expended in
2012–13
colorado Douglas county choice Scholarship Program 2011 Not Available Not Available
Florida John M. McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 1999 25,366 $157,602,339
Georgia Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program 2007 3,227 $19,094,159
indiana choice Scholarship Program 2011 9,324 $38,695,761
louisiana Student Scholarships for educational excellence 2008 4,963 $25,342,680
louisiana School choice Pilot Program for certain Students with exceptionalities 2010 197 $432,683
Mississippi Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia 2012 13 $65,234
ohio cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program 1995 6,513 $24,400,000
ohio Autism Scholarship Program 2003 2,241 $36,000,000
ohio educational choice Scholarship Program 2005 17,057 $66,000,000
ohio Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program 2011 1,371 $8,900,000
oklahoma lindsey Nicole henry Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program 2010 197 $1,200,000
Utah carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship 2005 672 $3,750,000
washington, D.c. D.c. opportunity Scholarship Program 2004 1,584 $13,434,625
wisconsin Milwaukee Parental choice Program 1990 24,027 $154,800,000
wisconsin Racine Parental choice Program 2011 500 $3,221,000
97,252 $552,938,481
Voucher Programs in the United States
Voucher Programs
Education Savings Account Programs
Individual Income Tax Credit
Scholarship Tax Credit Programs
Special Needs Programs
SA
States with
School choice prograMS
Voucher Programs
education Savings Account Programs
individual income Tax credit
Scholarship Tax credit Programs
Special Needs Programs
At least one program in the state is designed to serve students with special needs.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 14
32 Private
School choice prograMS
0
5
10
15
20
16
8Special Needs
1Special Needs
1Special Needs
14
1 Special Needs
13General
8General
Vouchers ScholarshipTax Credits
EducationSavings Accounts
Individual TuitionTax Credits*
* Individual Tuition Tax Credits: an individual state income tax credit of significant size for educational expenses, including private school tuition. While individual tuition tax credits currently exist in a small number of states, the Alliance only officially counts North Carolina’s Tax Credits for Children with Disabilities because it is the first credit that is sufficiently large enough to affect a family’s ability to place their child in private school.
Growth in States with
priVate School choice prograMS
0
5
10
15
20
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 15
P. 15 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
Recent Student Enrollment
growth in School choice prograMS
29,003
55,373
81,52490,613
96,528108,705
126,519
158,725171,478
182,608190,811
210,524
245,854
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2012–13
2011–12
2010–11
2009–10
2008–09
2007–08
2006–07
2005–06
2004–05
2003–04
2002–03
2001–02
2000–01
2012–13 Scholarship
recipientS bY State
Florida
Pennsylvania
Arizona
Ohio
Wisconsin
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Louisiana
Washington, D.C.
Utah
Rhode Island
Oklahoma
Mississippi
76,187
42,149
27,182
30,587
24,527
14,519
10,446
5,160
1,584
672
13
232
382
12,214
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 16
School choice growth: New and Expanded Programs in 2012
New ProGraMs in 2012 expaNded ProGraMs in 2012
tUition donation rebate prograMA scholarship tax rebate program for students from low-income families
edUcational opportUnitY ScholarShip tax creditA scholarship tax credit program for students from low- and middle-income families who attend the state’s worst-performing public schools
edUcation iMproVeMent ScholarShipS tax creditSA scholarship tax credit program for students from low- and middle-income families
MiSSiSSippi dYSlexia therapY ScholarShipA voucher program for students with dyslexia
new haMpShire edUcation tax creditA scholarship tax credit program for students from low- and middle-income families
StUdent ScholarShipS for edUcational excellence prograMExpanded student eligibility from just New Orleans to include students all across the state who meet income and other guidelines
edUcational iMproVeMent tax credit• Expanded student eligibility by increasing family
income guidelines
• Increased the donor tax credit cap and statewide cap
arizona eMpowerMent ScholarShip accoUntS prograMExpanded student eligibility from just special needs students to include students attending D- or F-rated public schools, students of military personnel, and foster care children (including those who have been adopted or permanently placed)
indiVidUal School tUition organization tax creditDoubled the donor tax credit cap to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples
cleVeland ScholarShip and tUtoring prograMExpanded the scholarship amount by eliminating the parent contribution portion of the scholarship amount
florida tax credit ScholarShip• Expanded the statewide cap on donations by $10.25 million
in the 2012–13 school year
• Expanded student eligibility by eliminating the public school attendance requirement for students in grades 2-5
• Expanded accountability requirements by allowing schools to administer the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 17
P. 17 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
the research reality of educational choice
Of Note: A study by the Brookings Institution and Harvard University found that African-American students participating in the privately funded New York School Choice Scholarships Foundation Program were 24 percent more likely to enroll in college as a result of receiving a voucher. In addition, African-American enrollment rates in selective colleges more than doubled among voucher students, and the rate of enrollment in full-time colleges increased by 31 percent.
gradUation rateS
• In the last federal study of the Washington, D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, students who participated in the program graduated at a rate of 91 percent—more than 20 percentage points higher than those interested in the program who did not receive scholarships and more than 30 percentage points higher than the graduation rate of students in D.C. Public Schools. Subsequent data released by the program administration for 2009–10 and 2010–11 showed a 94 percent graduation rate for participating students, with 89 percent of students attending a two-or four-year college or university.
• Students participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program boast a higher graduation rate—more than 7.2 percentage points higher—than the graduation rate of students in Milwaukee Public Schools. According to an independent evaluation of the program, students participating in the voucher program are also more likely to enroll in a four-year college and persist in college.
pUblic opinion
A May 2012 poll sponsored by the American Federation for Children and the Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options found that 85 percent of likely voters and 91 percent of Latinos in five states—Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, New Jersey, and Nevada—think vouchers and scholarship tax credit programs should be available in some form, while majorities of likely voters and Latinos also support specific educational choice proposals. Support is especially high for special needs scholarship programs, which are favored by 74 percent of voters and 80 percent of Latino voters.
100 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
OF LATINOSSUPPORT
71%
OF LATINOSOPPOSE
26%
SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS
OF VOTERSSUPPORT
65%
OF VOTERSOPPOSE
31%
EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT PROGRAMS
100 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
OF LATINOSSUPPORT
70%
OF LATINOSOPPOSE
26%
OF VOTERSSUPPORT
60%
OF VOTERSOPPOSE
31%
100 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
74%
OF VOTERSSUPPORT
OF LATINOSSUPPORT
78%
OF VOTERSOPPOSE
23%
OF LATINOSOPPOSE
22%
SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS
VOUCHER PROGRAMS
100 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
OF LATINOSSUPPORT
69%
OF LATINOSOPPOSE
29%
OF VOTERSSUPPORT
57%
OF VOTERSOPPOSE
39%
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 18
parental SatiSfaction
Because educational choice is about empowering families to choose the best education for their children, measuring how happy parents are about the education their children are receiving is vital in gauging the success of private school choice. Parents report high satisfaction rates of their children’s academic progress thanks to private school choice programs all across the country.
0
20
40
60
80
100
92.8% 91.0% 93.4% 97.2% 96.9%
p Georgia scholarship Tax Credit Program: 92.8 percent of parents are satisfied with the overall academic progress of their children’s scholarship school.
p d.C. opportunity scholarship Program: 91.0 percent of parents are somewhat or very happy with their current scholarship school in the 2011–12 school year.
p Louisiana’s student scholarships for educational excellence Program: 93.4 percent of parents are satisfied or very satisfied with their child’s school.
p Florida scholarship Tax Credit: 97.2 percent of parents are somewhat or very happy with their current scholarship school in the 2012–13 school year.
p wisconsin’s racine Parental Choice Program: 96.9 percent of parents are satisfied or completely satisfied with their child’s school in the 2012–13 school year.
acadeMic achieVeMent
• Students participating in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, who tended to be the lowest-performing students at low-performing public schools, achieved gains in reading and math on par with all students nationally—not just students from low-income families.
• Over a four-year period, students in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program had higher achievement growth in reading than similar students in Milwaukee Public Schools.
• Students participating in the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program made statistically significant gains in reading, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Education. In fact, voucher students gained approximately 3.1 months of additional learning in reading over their public school peers.
Georgia
washington, d
.C.
Louisiana
Florida
wisconsin
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 19
P. 19 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
Educational choicE in thE nEws
“[Scholarships] allow lower-income parents to use a portion of their allotted per-pupil education aid at a different school if the one to which their child is assigned is a bad fit. That is not anti-school or anti-education. It is pro-child.”
- The Union Leader (NH), august 6, 2012
“It’s working in Milwaukee. It’s working in Indiana and other places in the United States. It’s always worked in the majority of the industrialized nations of the world. Why not here? Why not recognize that education always works better when children attend schools where they want to be and their parents get to choose?”
- School director david larsen, Chicago Tribune, august 14, 2012
“Elected officials from both parties are so fed up with the status quo of failing schools that they’re abandoning the politics of left-right polarization and challenging the entrenched power of teachers unions. Republicans like [Louisiana Gov. Bobby] Jindal and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are fighting for school reform on parallel lines with Democrats like New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.”
- author and journalist Juan williams, Wall Street Journal, February 28, 2012
“By empowering parents, school choice gives them real power to improve their children’s lives, resulting in greater parental involvement and increased satisfaction. As graduation rates have gone up for participating families, increased interest in school choice has developed across the board, but notably among leaders of minority communities, whose children are tragically ill-served by the existing government monopoly over public education.”
- institute for Justice attorney dick komer, USA Today, June 27, 2012
“I hold no allegiance to a school delivery model. I really don’t care if you’re a charter school a magnet school, a traditional district school. The question is: Are you providing a quality education?”
- newark Mayor cory booker, Asbury Park Press (NJ), February 28, 2012
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 20
Year in review It would take a great deal, prognosticators surmised at the beginning of 2012, for the educational choice expansions in a single year to top the advancements that took place in 2011. That year, new private school opportunities were created for nearly 20,000 new students nationwide. But like a snowball, momentum builds exponentially, and the size of the coalition to bring quality educational options to families around the country grew stronger than ever in 2012, resulting in the largest increase in the number of students enrolled in publicly funded private school choice programs we’ve ever seen.
The advocates who worked to help the more than 245,000 students enrolled in these programs all across the country represent a diverse cross section of Americans with different backgrounds, stories, and political leanings, all united around the understanding that every child in this country—regardless of where they live or how much money their family makes—deserves access to a high-quality education.
Building upon the success of a year ago, lawmakers created five brand-new private school choice programs and strengthened six more. But it was not just elected officials who stood up for children in 2012—in Georgia, citizens stood on the side of more educational options by supporting a key statewide charter school authorizing board during the November elections, while thousands more ordinary people have stood up for educational choice in their own communities.
loUiSiana goeS big, bipartiSan in expanding choice Statewide
In a state known for its ability to come together in support of the greater
good, Louisiana lawmakers stayed true to their reputation in the spring
of 2012 when, on the strength of bipartisan support from both chambers,
the legislature passed a sweeping statewide expansion of the Student
Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program. Once a lifeline for children
from low-income families in Orleans Parish, the voucher program not only
opened its eligibility to families across the state, but it expanded to include a
broader set of students who could participate.
The result? More than 380,000 students—all of whom hail from low-income
families and/or failing schools—could now apply for the program. After a
truncated enrollment period, more than 10,400 students ultimately applied,
and nearly 5,000 of them enrolled in the program in the fall of 2012.
But it’s not just what Louisiana legislators did, it’s how they did it—in a
remarkably bipartisan fashion. Because when Gov. Bobby Jindal signed the
legislation into law last year, he was doing so after it received the votes of
a dozen House Democrats and nearly half of the Democrats in the Senate.
This from a legislature that also enacted a scholarship tax rebate program in
the same session, creating even more options for Louisiana families in the
years ahead.
loUiSiana
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 21
P. 21 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
in arizona, new Strength defineS one-of-itS-kind School choice prograM
2012 was known not just for its new programs, but also for dramatic
expansions. In addition to the significant increase in eligibility that took place
in Louisiana, residents in another state with a long history of educational
choice success saw new expanded eligibility for families in need.
Just over a year after Arizona became home to the first and only
education savings account program—a unique program giving parents
unprecedented control over their child’s educational outcome—this
landmark school choice offering was expanded last year. From just 142
students enrolled in the 2011–12 school year to hundreds of thousands
more eligible in the 2013–14 school year, the remarkable increase came
as a result of legislative action that transformed the Empowerment
Scholarship Accounts Program from a special needs program to one also
serving students attending failing schools, students of military personnel,
and foster care children—including those who have been adopted or
permanently placed.
The program’s improvements, which came just as the 2011–12 school year
concluded in May, set the stage for a summer of heavy enrollment increases
from families all across the state. Coupled with increased enrollment in
Arizona’s other private school choice programs—thanks in part to an
expansion of the Individual School Tuition Organization Tax Credit—the
Grand Canyon State boasts higher enrollment in private school choice
programs in the 2012–13 school year than in any year in history.
arizona
Virginia JoinS edUcational choice fold, enactS ScholarShip tax credit prograM
Even before the snow had thawed from winter, hundreds of parents,
students, and advocates joined Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell in February
for a rally at the state Capitol to express their support for the creation of a
scholarship tax credit program. Less than a month later, their voices
were heard.
On February 29, 2012, a bipartisan coalition in the Virginia House of
Delegates passed the bill that would create the new private school choice
program, the first such program in the Old Dominion State. Weeks later,
Gov. McDonnell’s signature cemented Virginia as what was, at the time, the
14th state with a publicly funded private school choice program in America.
Virginia
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 22
a new MileStone in florida and an anniVerSarY booSt in ohio
Bipartisanship has been the order of the day in Florida, allowing the Florida Tax Credit
Scholarship to serve more children every year. The ability of lawmakers to work together is
still paying dividends for children—to the tune of more than 50,000 students.
That’s the number of kids enrolled in the scholarship program in the 2012–13
school year, after legislators—once again in a bipartisan manner—passed a bill
increasing the cap on donations to the program. And with a provision in place
that will prompt the scholarship cap to increase by an additional 25 percent if,
as expected, donations keep pace with previous years, the future is bright for the
nation’s largest private school choice program.
This past year also marked the 10th anniversary of the landmark Zelman v. Simmons-
Harris U.S. Supreme Court case, which affirmed the constitutionality of school
voucher programs. The celebration of the case, which upheld the Cleveland voucher
program, coincided with a provision that strengthened the program by eliminating
the parent contribution portion of the scholarship amount. In theory, this meant that
families who previously could not afford the contribution could now participate in the
program. In practice, it means that more than 910 more students than last year are
now getting a better education as a result of the program.
florida & ohio
MiSSiSSippi legislators enacted a voucher program designed for children with dyslexia—a disorder
where the brain does not properly recognize and process symbols, often resulting in difficulty with reading.
Students in grades 1-6 who have been diagnosed with dyslexia are eligible to receive a scholarship to
attend a public or private school that provides therapy for dyslexia.
In new haMpShire, the legislature overrode a veto from the governor, thereby creating a scholarship tax credit
program for students from low- and middle-income families to receive up to $2,500 to attend the private school of
their parents’ choice. Under the program, businesses can receive a tax credit equal to 85 percent of their donations.
And not to be outdone were two significant developments from the Keystone State. In pennSYlVania, legislators created the Educational Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit, a new program serving students in the
state’s worst-performing schools. It’s an important complement to the original private school choice program in
Pennsylvania—the Educational Improvement Tax Credit—which also saw improvements in 2012 that broadened
eligibility. Both the new program and the changes to the old one came as a part of the state’s annual budget.
All told, 2012 will be remembered as the year when a quarter of a million students gained access to quality
educational options as a result of private school choice. Fully cemented as an integral part of the education
reform movement, educational choice is proving to be a catalyst for positive change that is transforming
the lives of the neediest children around the country—for the better.
More where that caMe froM…
A student in Arizona looks on during a January rally.
Two of Arizona’s private school choice programs were
strengthened in 2012.
FaceS oF educational choiceThe
P. 24
Jaevion * Grade: 2nd * ScholarShiP: indiana’S choice ScholarShip prograM
In its second year, the Choice Scholarship Program in Indiana enrolled more than 9,300 students in the
program, compared to nearly 4,000 students in the program’s first year. One of those students participating in
the program is Jaevion.
“As a single mother, I had lost the ability to not just give my son the great education he deserved, but to finance
an appropriate and fitting education for Jaevion,” said Jeronna, Jaevion’s mother. “Up until recently, Jaevion and
I were homeless. During that time, I didn’t think sending my son to a school where he would thrive would even
be possible, but then, the voucher program came along and there was renewed hope that Jaevion could receive
the quality education I have always wanted for him.”
The teaching strategy that Jaevion’s school uses has encouraged his desire to learn more and to earn better
grades. In fact, Jaevion now enjoys attending school every day and is more committed than ever before to
improving his reading skills.
Said Jaevion’s mother: “There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Jaevion is exactly where he needs to be in order to
thrive academically.”
Sara ashley * Grade: 5th * ScholarShiP: georgia Special needS ScholarShip
Throughout kindergarten, Sara Ashley struggled with daily learning activities, including counting and verbal
recognition. She had difficulty focusing and was placed into special learning classes. While attending a public
school in her neighborhood, she was unable to get the one-on-one attention she needed to overcome her
ADHD and dyslexia. Frustrated by her minimal improvements, Sara Ashley’s parents decided to explore private
school options that could better address her learning needs.
Thanks to the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, they were able to place her in The Bedford School in Fairburn,
Georgia, which focuses primarily on educating students with specific learning disabilities. Within weeks of
enrolling in Bedford’s specialized classes, Sara Ashley was retaining knowledge and gaining confidence. Today,
she excels in math and loves art, and she even landed a role in the annual school play. Sara Ashley’s parents
recognize the importance of the individualized learning the scholarship has given them and thousands more
families across Georgia.
raunel * Grade: 10th * ScholarShiP: racine parental choice prograM
Raunel, a sophomore at Shoreland Lutheran High School in Somers, Wisconsin, hasn’t always excelled in
school. At his previous school, he struggled, especially when it came to reading and writing. Now, he’s thriving
thanks to the Racine Parental Choice Program. Since he began receiving his scholarship last school year, Raunel
has improved in English, earned his way into the Honors Study Hall, and joined the AV club.
“Last year, I learned right away that the teachers were willing to help me if I had any questions,” Raunel said.
“So I asked questions.”
The Racine Parental Choice Program was created in 2011 and modeled after the highly effective Milwaukee
Parental Choice Program. Raunel is one of 500 students participating in the program—the cap on the number
of students allowed to participate. Next school year, the enrollment cap will be removed, providing hundreds
more students like Raunel with the opportunity they deserve.
P. 25
anthony * Grade: 11th * ScholarShiP: florida ScholarShip tax credit prograM
Anthony’s family moved from Ohio to Florida just to participate in the Florida Scholarship Tax Credit program.
Their goal was to find the school that could best serve Anthony, who has Asperger’s syndrome.
“Before I started going to Liberty Christian Academy, I thought it was normal that kids didn’t accept kids like me,
or that all teachers didn’t know just how to deal with someone who was different,” Anthony said. “I didn’t like
school…my mom didn’t know what to do until she heard about Step Up For Students in Florida. Once I qualified,
she applied for the scholarship and I started at Liberty Christian part way into my sophomore year. The kids there
are accepting of different people.”
Anthony isn’t only fitting in better, but he’s excelling in extracurricular activities, having been elected as the vice
president of Liberty’s National Honor Society chapter. Anthony says that while his new school is definitely a
“challenge,” he’s “ready to step up and rise to the occasion.”
a’bria * Grade: 10th * ScholarShiP: cleVeland ScholarShip and tUtoring prograM
A’bria, a high school sophomore, is excited for her future ahead, and she has reason to be. That reason is simple:
she has big plans, specifically to become a lawyer or a pediatrician. But before she gets there, she recognizes that
she has to go to college. Right now, she’s got her sights set on Miami University in Ohio—or, maybe Harvard.
She loves learning history and algebra, and she’s where she is today in large part because of the amazing
opportunity she received a decade ago, when A’bria’s mom Sheryl applied for the Cleveland Scholarship and
Tutoring Program as A’bria was entering kindergarten. A’bria continues to receive the scholarship today, and she
says she’s grateful to have such supportive teachers.
“The relationships that I have formed with my teachers can lead to greater academic success,” A’bria said. “I
admire the fact that the teachers are so committed to their job of not only teaching but building a personal
relationship with each student.”
lamar * Grade: kindergarten * ScholarShiP: d.c. opportUnitY ScholarShip prograM
Lamar, who began kindergarten this year in Washington, D.C., loves nature, science, and especially plants. His
mother, Tiarra, wanted to make sure that Lamar was in an environment where he could continue to develop
those interests, and as a result, she applied for the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program last year.
Now, Lamar attends the Preparatory School of D.C. thanks to the program, something that wouldn’t be the case
without the perseverance of his mom, whose application this year was her second try, after Lamar didn’t qualify
for the program last school year. She applied again this year and was excited to learn that Lamar had received
a scholarship.
Lamar is excelling at the Preparatory School, though he’s just one of the nearly 1,500 students whose life has
changed as a result of educational choice in the nation’s capital. If he stays in the program, Lamar’s chances for
future success are bright—students in the program are more than 30 percentage points more likely to graduate
from high school than their D.C. public school peers.
FaceS oF educational choiceNo conversation about the success of educational choice is complete without stories
about its actual beneficiaries—the students. Here are just a few of the amazing stories
of kids who, thanks to their life-changing scholarships, are reaching new heights.
featUre:
They’re known for their moves on the court and on the playing field. Using a combination of
instincts, acquired skill, and bestowed talents, the world’s great athletes move gracefully in the
pursuit of a shared goal. They draw up plays to win, and those plays invariably break down, but
they don’t panic—they innovate.
It’s no surprise, then, that they’ve applied the principles of their craft to other facets of their
lives, too. And while it’s common to see athletes take their off-the-court (or field) careers toward
forays in business, broadcasting, or coaching, four of the country’s most prominent players are
leading a different charge: the one to bring improved educational options to the children most
in need.
As the educational choice movement grew in 2012, so did its unique coalition of supporters.
Learn about the opportunities these athletes are helping to create in order to ensure that every
child has the foundation for a winning future in education.
JAlEn RoseCollege: University of Michigan;
member of the “Fab Five” from
1992–1993
Pros: NBA small forward and
shooting guard for six teams from
1994–2007
While he may be most recognized for his role as an NBA superstar, Jalen Rose
has a dynamic background that includes founding a charter school, helping
at-risk youth, and giving back to his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. By all
accounts, Jalen is a true leader in the movement to improve our nation’s
education system.
Jalen prides himself on being a college graduate and works locally to ensure that
youth in Detroit have the same opportunity to earn a college degree. Noticing
a decline in the city’s educational system, Jalen took it upon himself to start the
Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, an open enrollment, public charter school,
in 2011. The Academy provides a leadership-focused education that aims to
transform Detroit’s community into a thriving economic landscape. Through
his work in Detroit, Jalen has encouraged other athletes to play a larger role in
education reform in their local communities and across the nation.
In July of 2012, he joined with dozens of athletes in advance of ESPN’s ESPY
Awards in Los Angeles to discuss the plight of our education system. He’s now
working with the Alliance for School Choice to further broaden the coalition of
former athletes ready to make great change for children.
sTaTs:
athleteS and
educational choice
P. 26
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie is widely known for her slam-dunk
basketball career in the WNBA—literally—when, in 2002, she became the first
player to dunk a ball in a WNBA game. She did a lot during her 12-year professional
career, including winning multiple championships and MVP awards.
Lisa’s passion for winning, however, is perhaps only matched by her passion for
fostering the next generation of leaders through quality education and challenging
academic settings. Through her work with the Alliance for School Choice, Lisa has
taken on a new role as an outspoken advocate for educational choice.
She has committed herself to putting all options—whether they be traditional
public, public charter, or private—on the table to help kids. Using her platform as an
international sports star, Lisa travels around the country to highlight the successes
of educational choice for families in need.
liSA LesLieCollege: University of Southern California
Pros: WNBA center for Los Angeles Sparks from 1997–2009, four-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time WNBA Champion, three-time WNBA MVP
sTaTs:
GrEG JenningsCollege: Western Michigan University
Pros: NFL wide receiver for Green
Bay Packers from 2006–present,
2010 Super Bowl Champion
Proud father of four, NFL wide receiver Greg Jennings knows first-hand the
importance of quality education. Greg keeps a busy schedule playing for the Green
Bay Packers, having won a Super Bowl and twice being selected as a Pro Bowler. In
2008, he and his wife decided to create the Greg Jennings Foundation in order to put
a renewed focus on helping students in their local communities.
The foundation focuses on impacting children’s lives through education in the Green
Bay area and works with at-risk youth to provide them with resources to reach their
full academic potential. By assisting families with after-school programs, college
preparation courses, and information on maintaining healthy lifestyles, Greg and his
foundation have put the focus on meeting the educational needs of students.
Recognizing that all students learn in their own unique way, Greg and his foundation
have been stewards for educational options that include supplemental learning and
after-school programs. For his work on and off the field, Greg is a true all-pro.
sTaTs:
SAm MitcheLLCollege: Mercer University
Pros: NBA small forward for three
teams from 1989–2002, NBA
coach for Toronto Raptors from
2004–2008, 2007 NBA Coach of
the Year
Former NBA player and coach Sam Mitchell has always been a leader. In college, he
was the catalyst for his team appearing in the NCAA Tournament. In the NBA, he
was named Coach of the Year in 2007. But Sam’s leadership dreams always included
giving back to his community, too.
And, in 2004, he partnered with a longtime friend, Marc Upshaw, to make that dream
a reality, and it came in the form of the SaMarc Dream and Achieve Foundation.
Aimed at encouraging children to dream big, the foundation boasts an impressive
array of community services and activities related to improving educational
opportunities for students in his native Georgia.
Every summer, the pair team up to host the Foundation’s annual basketball camp,
which invites children to participate in sports training activities, but also teaches them
important life lessons like the value of a quality education. The Foundation also works
in local communities to provide classroom materials to schools and educational tours
to students, and it has established learning centers throughout the state of Georgia.
sTaTs:
P. 27
in itS third Year, new heightS for the SUMMit
Over the last three years, the American Federation for Children
and Alliance for School Choice’s annual National Policy Summit
has become the nation’s premier educational choice event. First
hosted in 2010 in Washington, D.C., the Summit brings together
a diverse group of elected officials, business and policy leaders,
philanthropists, and members of the media to discuss the
importance of giving parents all across the country access to high-
quality educational options. And, each year it welcomes hundreds
of new educational choice supporters into the fold.
In 2012, the Summit featured an array of leaders—ranging from
governors to mayors to business leaders, media commentators,
and researchers—all discussing the movement to provide families
with more educational options. Attendees descended upon Jersey
City, NJ, a hotbed of recent education reform conversation, to
engage in the most forward-thinking, bipartisan discussion of the
current state of reform and educational choice, and how to best
move forward in the months that followed.
bipartiSan breakthroUghS
On the heels of Louisiana’s statewide voucher expansion in the
spring of 2012, Governor Bobby Jindal (R) addressed the crowd and
shared his deep-rooted passion for quality education reform. His
own upbringing as the son of immigrants encouraged him to focus
on academics as the key to success. The audience also heard from
Cory Booker (D), mayor of neighboring Newark, as he enraptured
the crowd by sharing insight into his efforts as mayor and how he
works locally to inspire children to focus on their education, as well
as how he has pushed for additional educational options in his
home state.
A keynote address from political commentator and author Juan
Williams inspired the crowd as Williams spoke about the urgent
need for an overhaul of the education system in America. He also
focused on his own educational journey as the foundation for his
featUre:
reach for the SuMMit
P. 28
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D)
Author and Commentator Juan Williams New Jersey Gov. Chris Chritie (R)
appreciation of opportunities to excel in life. And of course, there to
enthrall the audience was New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R),
making his second Summit appearance in three years. A national
leader on education reform, Christie called on special interests
to stop standing in the way of opportunities for children, and he
renewed his push to bring more educational choice to New Jersey.
Also taking the stage were state legislators from all across the
country, as well as a bipartisan panel of school administrators,
CEOs, renowned researchers, and other advocates. These
national leaders spoke to the significant role of education in their
upbringing, sharing their personal stories of hardships growing
up and how education was the key to creating a life filled with
opportunity and success.
inSpiration in action
Perhaps the most striking words in 2012, however, came from
someone who has never run for office, never appeared on “Meet
the Press,” never owned her own business, and someone who had
not, until recently, ever voted in an election. That’s because Valerie
Denton Moore is still a student, yet it was her words that were
most inspiring of all. Rising up from a troubled neighborhood in
Milwaukee and using a scholarship through the Milwaukee voucher
program to attend a high-achieving school, she excelled, enrolled in
college at Emory University, and is now thriving as she prepares to
graduate and enter the world of nursing.
The first person in her family ever to attend college, Valerie
expressed thanks not just for her own success, but also for the
success that efforts to promote educational choice will have on
others like her. Said Valerie at the Summit: “Everyone should have
the opportunity to be educated the same as someone who is not of
a low-income family.”
More to coMe
For all the highlights in 2012, this year’s event, to be held on Monday,
May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, 2013, in Washington, D.C., expects to
be even more energizing, inspiring, and influential for the educational
choice movement and its supporters all across the country.
Visit www.aFCPolicysummit.com to learn more about the 2013
National Policy Summit and past events, as well as how you can
attend, get involved in the effort, and spread the word about the
importance of educational choice.
P. 29
Former California State Sen. Gloria Romero (D)
Former Indiana Superintendent Tony Benett (R) Virginia Delegate Algie Howell(D)
1995—
The Cleveland Scholarship and
Tutoring Program, the second publicly
funded private school choice program in
the nation, is created in Ohio’s biennial
budget.
1999—
Florida enacts the nation’s first private
school choice program specifically tailored to students with special needs.
2002—
The United States Supreme Court
upholds the constitutionality
of school voucher programs
in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris.
2005—
More than 100,000 students participate in private school choice programs across
the nation.
—Utah creates the Carson Smith Special
Needs Scholarship.The program is named after an autistic student, who, thanks to the program, attends the
Pingree School for Children with Autism.
—Ohio’s Educational Choice Scholarship
Program—the state’s third school choice program—is enacted.
The Milwaukee Parental Choice Program—the
nation’s first and longest-running
voucher program—is enacted.
—1990
The first scholarship tax credit program is created in Arizona,
which allows individuals to donate
to School Tuition Organizations that
provide scholarships to students to attend
private school.
—1997
More than 50,000 students participate in private school choice
programs across the nation.
—The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
is signed into law, creating the nation’s most accountable
scholarship tax credit program and a model for the nation.
—Pennsylvania’s Educational
Improvement Tax Credit goes into effect.
—2001
President George W. Bush signs the D.C. Opportunity
Scholarship Program into law, creating the first federally funded
voucher program in the nation. The
program boasts a 91 percent graduation
rate for participating students.
—2004
featUre:
tiMeline of educational choice
P. 30
2009—
Indiana creates a scholarship tax credit program and Arizona’s Lexie’s
Law transitions into a scholarship tax credit program.
2007—
Georgia and Rhode Island each create
private school choice programs—a
special needs voucher program
and a means-tested scholarship tax credit program, respectively.
2011—
The Wall Street Journal calls 2011 “The Year of School Choice.”
—Seven new programs are enacted,
including Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program, Wisconsin’s Racine Parental Choice Program, and Ohio’s Jon Peterson Special
Needs Scholarship Program. In addition, 11 programs are expanded, including the D.C.
Opportunity Scholarship Program.
Iowa and Arizona each enact
means-tested scholarship tax
credit programs.
—2006
Louisiana and Oklahoma each enact special needs voucher
programs.
—2010
The Georgia Scholarship Tax
Credit Program is enacted, and a New Orleans scholarship
program is enacted in Louisiana.
—2008
There are now 32 private school choice programs in 16 states and the
District of Columbia, serving 245,854 children.
—Louisiana expands its Student
Scholarships for Educational Excellence program statewide and enacts a scholarship tax rebate program.
—Pennsylvania expands its Educational
Improvement Tax Credit program and creates the Educational
Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit.
—Arizona expands its educational savings account program and its individual
scholarship tax credit program.
—Mississippi, Virginia, and New
Hampshire create new private school choice programs, and Florida and
Ohio strengthen existing programs.
—2012
P. 31
Table of ConTenTs
Wisconsin voucher students pose for a photo outside of their school. Nearly 25,000 students are enrolled in the state’s two private school choice programs in the 2012–13 school year.
P. 34 arizona
P. 38 colorado
P. 39 florida
P. 41 georgia
P. 43 indiana
P. 45 iowa
P. 46 louisiana
P. 49 Mississippi
P. 50 new hampshire
P. 51 north carolina
P. 52 ohio
P. 56 oklahoma
P. 58 pennsylvania
P. 60 rhode island
P. 61 Utah
P. 62 Virginia
P. 63 washington, d.c.
P. 64 wisconsin
by Program Provisions, Student Participation, and data updates
School choice ProGraMS
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 34
prograM tYpe
Scholarship tax credit – Individual
StUdent eligibilitY
None specified in law Requirements may be determined by School Tuition Organizations Private school students also eligible
ScholarShip tUition organization (Sto) reqUireMentS
Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships
Make scholarships available for more than one school
May allow donors to recommend student beneficiaries but shall not award, designate, or reserve scholarships solely on the basis of donor recommendations
Cannot exchange recommendations of student beneficiaries with other donors
Report annually to the state:
• Data on accepted contributions, grants awarded, dollar amount of scholarships granted to students who qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program, dollar amount of scholarships granted to those students whose household income falls between 185 percent and 342 percent of the federal poverty level ($42,643 and $78,831 for a family of four in 2012), amount of money being held for identified student scholarships in future years, list of participating schools with the number and dollar amount of scholarship awards received, the salary of the STO’s top three officials for the fiscal year, and proof of independent review of financial statements by a certified public accountant
School reqUireMentS
Comply with state private school regulations, including nondiscrimination and health and safety codes
ScholarShip cap
Tuition only
tax credit ValUe
100 percent of donation
donor tax credit cap
$1,000 single
$2,000 married couple
Statewide cap
None
Year enacted
1997
arizona: individuaL sChooL TuiTion orGanizaTion Tax CrediT exPanded
ProGraM
1998–99
1999–00
2000–01
2001–02
2002–03
2003–04
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
128
3,365
15,081
18,049
19,559
20,134
21,146
22,529
24,678
27,153
28,321
27,582
27,476
25,343
24,327
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 24,327*
Schools Participating 936*
STos operating 48*
2012 expenditures $45,642,292*
daTa uPdaTe
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 35
P. 35 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
Scholarship tax credit – Corporate
• Means tested
StUdent eligibilitY
Family income cannot exceed 185 percent of the free or reduced-price lunch program ($78,889 for a family of four in 2012) Attended public school the previous year or entering kindergarten
ScholarShip tUition organization (Sto) reqUireMentS
Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships Make scholarships available for more than one school Must allow the state to verify that scholarships are awarded to students attending a qualified school Report annually to the state:
• Data on accepted contributions, grants awarded, amount of money being held for identified student scholarships in future years, list of participating schools with the number and dollar amount of scholarship awards received, salary of the STO’s top three officials for the fiscal year, and proof of independent review of financial statements by a certified public accountant
School reqUireMentS
Comply with state private school regulations, including nondiscrimination and health and safety codes Require teachers to be fingerprinted
ScholarShip cap
$4,900 – grades K–8 $6,200 – grades 9–12 Caps increase by $100 each year
tax credit ValUe
100 percent of donation
donor tax credit cap
None
Statewide cap
$29.86 million (FY 2013) 20 percent annual increase each year
Year enacted
2006
arizona: CorPoraTe sChooL TuiTion orGanizaTion Tax CrediT
2006–072007–082008–092009–102010–112011–122012–13
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000
351,947
2,9673,6523,626
5,8384,578
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 5,838*
Schools Participating 425*
STos operating 21*
2012 expenditures $11,375,721*
daTa uPdaTe
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 36
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate
•Special needs and foster children
StUdent eligibilitY
* Students who received vouchers under Arizona’s two previous voucher programs (for foster children and students with disabilities) receive priority in scholarships
* Attended public school as a full-time student for 100 days prior to the fiscal year
* Students must:
•Have been placed in foster care at any time before the student graduates from high school or obtains a GED, or
•Have been identified as having a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, identified by a school district as a student with a disability, or identified as eligible to receive disability services from a school district
School tUition organization (Sto) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Make scholarships available for more than one school
* Allow the state to verify that scholarships are awarded to students attending a qualified school
* Annually report to the state:
•Data on accepted contributions, grants awarded, amount of money being held for identified student scholarships in future years, list of participating schools with the number and dollar amount of scholarship awards received, salary of the STO’s top three officials for the fiscal year, and proof of independent review of financial statements by a certified public accountant
School reqUireMentS
* Must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, familial status, or national origin, and must satisfy the requirements prescribed by federal law for private schools
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Tuition of private school
•90 percent of the cost to send the child to public school
tax credit ValUe
* 100 percent of donation
donor tax credit cap
* None
Statewide cap
* $5 million
Year enacted
* 2009
•In 2009, this program transitioned from a voucher program to a scholarship tax credit program. Student enrollment data for years before 2009–10 is for the voucher program.
arizona: Lexie’s Law
2006–072007–082008–092009–102010–112011–122012–13
0 100 200 300 400 500
40359
439112
145
120115
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 120*
Schools Participating 46*
STos operating 5*
2012 expenditures $585,572*
daTa uPdaTe
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 37
P. 37 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Education savings account
•Special needs and foster care
• Active duty military families
•Failing schools
StUdent eligibilitY
* Student must:
•Be identified as a child with a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, or by a school district, or is eligible to receive special education services from a school district under state law and has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or
• Have attended a public school or school district that received a “D” on the state accountability report card, or
• Have a parent who is an active duty member of the U.S. military, or
• Be adopted from the state foster care system or is placed with a family and has a case plan of adoption
* Attended public school as a full-time student for 100 days prior to the fiscal year and who transferred to a qualified private school, or participated in the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program in the previous year, or received a scholarship under Lexie’s Law
parent reqUireMentS
* Must sign an agreement to:
•Provide an education in the subjects of reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science
•Not enroll student in a school district or charter school
•Release the school district from all obligations to educate the student
•Not accept a scholarship under any of Arizona’s tax credit scholarship programs
•Use the money deposited in the empowerment account for purposes specified in the law
School reqUireMentS
* Cannot discriminate
* Cannot share, refund, or rebate any empowerment account monies with the parent or student
ScholarShip cap
* 90 percent of the state funding for each qualified student (takes into account grade and disability)
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 2011
arizona: arizona eMPowerMenT sChoLarshiP aCCounTs ProGraM
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
exPanded
ProGraM
Accounts Awarded 302
Schools Participating 51
2012 expenditures $5,200,000
daTa uPdaTe
2011–12
2012–13
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
190
302
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 38
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Universal
StUdent eligibilitY
* Live in the Douglas County School District
* Attended a Douglas County School District school for at least one year
* Satisfy all admission requirements of the selected private school
School reqUireMentS
* Be accredited by a recognized state or national accrediting organization
* Demonstrate student achievement and growth results for participating students at least as strong as what district neighborhood and charter schools produce
* Disclose financial history, including the past three years of audited financial statements and documentation showing adequate insurance policies
* Private schools that have been in operation for fewer than three years must demonstrate the ability to indemnify the District for any loss if the school closes
* Comply with building codes and have a safe school plan
* Conduct criminal background checks on school employees
* May not discriminate in employment or enrollment decisions
* Must release participating students so the District can administer statewide or District assessments
* Provide information on employment and enrollment policies, a description of student performance assessments, student conduct and discipline policies, description of governance and operations
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Tuition of private school
•75 percent of state portion of per-pupil revenue
enrollMent cap
*500
prograM fUnding
*No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
*2011
colorado: douGLas CounTy ChoiCe sChoLarshiP ProGraM
ProGraM uPdaTe
In response to litigation filed by opponents of educational choice, a Colorado court has issued an injunction barring the program from moving forward. Appeals to that decision have been filed.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 39
P. 39 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Special needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Have Individualized Education Program (IEP) or have an accommodation plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
* Attended public school in any of the five years prior to the 2010–11 fiscal year
* Children of U.S. military personnel transferring are exempt from prior year public school attendance requirement
* Children who received specialized instructional services under the Voluntary Pre–K Education Program (VPK) the previous school year are exempt from prior year public school attendance requirement
School reqUireMentS
* Be approved by the state
* Submit to the state annual sworn compliance reports regarding all local and state health and safety codes
* Comply with federal nondiscrimination requirements of 42 U.S.C. s 2000d
* Teachers and other school personnel working with scholarship recipients must undergo federal background checks
* Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree, three years of teaching experience, or special expertise
* Schools in operation less than three years must obtain a surety bond or letter of credit to cover value of the scholarship payments for one quarter
* Report student’s progress to parents annually
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Amount of public school funding students would have received
•Tuition and fees of private school
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 1999
florida: John M. MCKay sChoLarshiP For sTudenTs wiTh disabiLiTies ProGraM
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000
1999–00
2000–01
2001–02
2002–03
2003–04
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
2
970
5,013
9,130
13,739
15,910
17,300
18,273
19,852
20,530
20,926
22,198
24,194
25,366
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 25,366
Schools Participating 1,133
2012 expenditures $157,602,339*
daTa uPdaTe
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 40
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate
•Means tested
StUdent eligibilitY
* Qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program ($42,643 for a family of four in 2012)
* Attended public school the previous year or entering kindergarten or first grade
* If a renewing student’s family income increases by 24 percent higher than the original entry threshold of the free or reduced-price lunch program, students are eligible for a partial scholarship
ScholarShip fUnding organization (Sfo) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 97 percent of contributions for scholarships
* SFOs with fewer than three years’ worth of audits must use 100 percent of donations for scholarships
* Make scholarships available for more than one school
* Submit to the state:
•Financial and compliance audit performed by certified public accountant
•Quarterly reports on number of scholarship recipients and participating schools
School reqUireMentS
* Be approved by the state
* Submit to the state annual sworn compliance reports regarding all local and state health and safety codes
* Comply with federal nondiscrimination requirements of 42 U.S.C. s 2000d
* Teachers and other school personnel working with scholarship recipients must undergo federal background checks
* Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree, three years of teaching experience, or special expertise
* Schools in operation less than three years must obtain a surety bond or letter of credit to cover value of the scholarship payments for one quarter
* Any school receiving more than $250,000 in scholarship money must provide financial reporting to the state
* Scholarship students must take a nationally recognized norm-referenced test or the state public school assessment. All schools with at least 30 students in grades 3–10 must post standardized test score gains
ScholarShip cap
* $4,335 for private school scholarship
* $500 scholarship covering transportation to another public school
* The scholarship cap for 2012–13 is 68 percent of the per-pupil school funding formula. The cap increases 4 percent in any year in which the cap is raised until the cap reaches 80 percent
tax credit ValUe
* 100 percent of donation
donor tax credit cap
* 100 percent of state tax liability
Statewide cap
* $229 million (2012–13)
* Cap is allowed to increase by 25 percent in any year after 90 percent of the cap is reached
Year enacted
* 2001
florida: FLorida Tax CrediT sChoLarshiP exPanded
ProGraM
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000
2002–03
2003–04
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
15,585
11,550
10,549
15,123
17,819
21,493
24,871
28,927
34,550
50,821
40,248
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 50,821
Schools Participating 1,306
SFos operating 1
2012 expenditures $229,000,000
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 41
P. 41 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Special needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Attended public school the previous year
* Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the entire school year prior to receiving a scholarship
School reqUireMentS
* Notify state regarding intention to participate
* Demonstrate financial viability
* Comply with federal nondiscrimination requirements of 42 U.S.C. s 2000d
* Comply with state health and safety requirements
* Be accredited or in the process of becoming accredited
* Teachers must have bachelor’s degree or three years’ experience in education or health
* Provide parents with teachers’ credentials
* Report to parents and state regarding students’ academic progress
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Amount of public school funding student would have received
•Tuition and fees of private school
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 2007
georgia: GeorGia sPeCiaL needs sChoLarshiP ProGraM
Scholarships Awarded 3,227
Schools Participating 233
2012 expenditures $19,049,159*
daTa uPdaTe
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500
899
1,596
2,068
2,529
3,227
2,933
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 42
Scholarships Awarded 11,292
Schools Participating Not Available
SSos operating 39
2011 expenditures $51,500,000
daTa uPdaTeprograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate and individual
StUdent eligibilitY
* Attended public school the previous year or entering pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or first grade
StUdent ScholarShip organization (SSo) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Make scholarships available for more than one school
* Have an independent board of directors
* Submit annually to the state:
•Data on accepted contributions and tax credits approved
•Independent review of financial statements by certified public accountant
•Total number of students and total dollar value of scholarships awarded each year
School reqUireMentS
* Be accredited or in the process of becoming accredited
* Comply with the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964
* Comply with all state private school regulations, including health and safety codes
ScholarShip cap
* 100 percent of state and local per-pupil funding
tax credit ValUe
* 100 percent of donation
donor tax credit cap
* $1,000 single
* $2,500 married couple
* 75 percent of corporation’s state income tax liability
Statewide cap
* $51.5 million
* Increases by the annual growth of the Consumer Price Index
Year enacted
* 2008
georgia: GeorGia sChoLarshiP Tax CrediT ProGraM
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000
3,000
6,125
11,292
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 43
P. 43 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate and individual
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed 200 percent of the free or reduced-price lunch program ($85,286 for a family of four in 2012)
* Must have been enrolled in public school the prior year or be entering kindergarten or received a scholarship in the previous school year
ScholarShip granting organization (Sgo) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Certified by the state
* Make scholarships available for more than one school
* Conduct criminal background checks on all SGO employees and board members
* Have an outside financial audit conducted and provide an annual report to the state
School reqUireMentS
* Be accredited by a national or regional accreditation agency that is recognized by the state board
* Administer a nationally recognized and norm-referenced assessment to the students
ScholarShip cap
* Tuition and fees
tax credit ValUe
* 50 percent of donation
* Donors cannot carry over credits from year to year
donor tax credit cap
* None
Statewide cap
* $5 million
Year enacted
* 2009
indiana: CorPoraTe and individuaL sChoLarshiP Tax CrediT ProGraM
2010–11
2011–12
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000
590
2,890
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 2,890
Schools Participating Not Available
SGos operating 4
2011 Donations $2,542,649
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 44
Scholarships Awarded 9,324
Schools Participating 289
2012 expenditures $38,695,761*
daTa uPdaTeprograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Means tested
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed 100 percent of the free or reduced-price lunch program ($42,643 for a family of four in 2012) for a full scholarship
* Family income cannot exceed 150 percent of the free or reduced-price lunch program ($63,964 for a family of four) for a partial scholarship
* Attended public school for two semesters immediately prior to enrolling in the Choice Scholarship Program or received a scholarship under the Corporate and Individual Scholarship Tax Credit Program
School reqUireMentS
* Be accredited by either the state board or a national or regional accreditation agency that is recognized by the state board
* Comply with health and safety codes
* Must not discriminate on basis of race, color, or national origin
* Conduct criminal background checks on employees
* Submit to the state financial reporting on the amount of government funding received, funding disbursed, and school’s total disbursements
* Administer the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP) program and report to the state data for A–F ratings including ISTEP scores and graduation rates
•To remain eligible to accept new scholarship students, a school must not be rated as D or F for two or more consecutive years
* Must grant the state full access to its premises for observing classroom instruction and reviewing any instructional materials and curriculum
* Provide civic and character education and display related historical documents
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Tuition and fees of private school
•90 percent of the state tuition support amount for students with a family income not exceeding 100 percent of the free or reduced-price lunch program or 50 percent of the state tuition support amount for students with a family income not exceeding 150 percent of the free or reduced-price lunch program
•$4,500 for students in grades 1–8
enrollMent cap
* 15,000 (2012–13)
* Cap removed beginning in the 2013–14 school year
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 2011
indiana: ChoiCe sChoLarshiP ProGraM
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
2011–12
2012–13
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000
3,919
9,324
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 45
P. 45 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
Scholarships Awarded 10,446
Schools Participating 145
STos operating 12
2012 Donations $13,461,537
daTa uPdaTeprograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate and individual
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($69,150 for a family of four in 2012)
* Private school students also eligible
ScholarShip tUition organization (Sto) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Make scholarships available for more than one school
* Annual review of financial statements by public accounting firm
* Submit data to the state on accepted contributions, grants awarded, and participating schools
School reqUireMentS
* Be accredited
* Comply with federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Iowa Chapter 216
* Comply with state health and safety codes
ScholarShip cap
* Tuition only
tax credit ValUe
* 65 percent of donation
donor tax credit cap
* None
Statewide cap
* $8.75 million
•25 percent for corporations
•75 percent for individuals and married couples
Year enacted
* 2006
iowa: individuaL and CorPoraTe sChooL TuiTion orGanizaTion Tax CrediT
2006–072007–082008–092009–102010–112011–122012–13
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000
1167,527
8,7379,624
10,208
10,44610,600
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 46
Scholarships Awarded 4,963
Schools Participating 118
2012 expenditures $25,342,680
daTa uPdaTe
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
• Means tested and failing schools
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed 250 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($57,625 for a family of four in 2012)
* Attended a public school rated C, D, or F or entering kindergarten
School reqUireMentS
* Private schools must be approved by the state to participate
* Comply with health and safety codes
* Not discriminate on basis of race, color, or national origin
* Use an open admissions process in enrolling scholarship recipients
* Administer all Louisiana state examinations required under the school and district accountability system
* Receive a Scholarship Cohort Index of at least 50 to remain eligible to accept new students
* No more than 20 percent of students receiving scholarships for private schools in operation fewer than two years
* Submit to the state an annual independent financial audit conducted by a certified public accountant
* Conduct criminal background checks on all school employees
* Maintain a curriculum of quality at least equal to that prescribed for public schools
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•State and local per-pupil funding (state average $8,500 for 2012–13)
•Tuition, fees, and costs associated with testing
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* $9.7 million
Year enacted
* 2008
loUiSiana: sTudenT sChoLarshiPs For eduCaTionaL exCeLLenCe ProGraM
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000
640
1,100
1,678
4,963
1,832
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
exPanded
ProGraM
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 47
P. 47 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
Scholarships Awarded 197
Schools Participating 14
2012 expenditures $432,683
daTa uPdaTeprograM tYpe
* Voucher
• Special needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
* Be in need of services for autism, mental disability, emotional disturbance, developmental delay, other health-impairment specific learning disability, or traumatic brain injury
* Eligible to attend a public school
* Reside in one of the six large parishes: Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, Orleans, Caddo, St. Tammany, or Lafayette
* Private school students also eligible
School reqUireMentS
* Be approved by the state to participate
* Comply with state nondiscrimination and health and safety requirements
* Have existed and provided educational services to students with special needs for two years prior to participating in the program
* Teachers must be certified to teach special education
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•50 percent of state per-pupil funding
•Tuition of private school
prograM fUnding
* $650,000
enrollMent cap
* None
Year enacted
* 2010
loUiSiana: sChooL ChoiCe PiLoT ProGraM For CerTain sTudenTs wiTh exCePTionaLiTies
2011–12
2012–13
0 50 100 150 200
186
197
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 48
newProGraM
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate and individual
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed 250 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($57,625 for a family of four in 2012)
* Attended public school the previous year or entering kindergarten
* Priority given to students who are from public schools that received a letter grade F or D, received a scholarship in the previous year, or are siblings of participating students
School tUition organization (Sto) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 95 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Conduct background checks on its employees and board members
* Report annually to the state:
•Total number and dollar amount of contributions received
•Total number and dollar amount of scholarships awarded
•Total amount expended on administrative costs
•Tuition and fee amounts published by participating schools
•Information on contributions made by each contributor
•Financial information report by a certified public accountant
School reqUireMentS
* Be approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
* Not discriminate on basis of race, color, or national origin
* Conduct background checks on its employees
* Annually administer and report the results of the state test associated with the school and district accountability system to measure learning gains in math and language arts to all participating students in grades that require testing under the state’s accountability testing requirements for public schools
* Any school receiving more than $50,000 in scholarship money must:
•File financial information demonstrating its financial viability
•File a surety bond if in operation for five years or less
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Tuition and fees
•Grades K–8th: 80 percent of average state per-pupil funding (approximately $4,000)
•Grades 9–12: 90 percent of average state per-pupil funding (approximately $4,500)
tax rebate ValUe
* 95 percent of donation
donor rebate cap
* None
Statewide cap
* None
Year enacted
* 2012
loUiSiana: TuiTion donaTion rebaTe ProGraM
ProGraM uPdaTe
Because this program was enacted in 2012, it has not yet received donations or granted scholarships at this time.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 49
P. 49 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Special needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Diagnosed with dyslexia
* Entering grades 1–6
* Previously attended a public or private school that emphasizes instruction in dyslexia intervention or whose parent has obtained acceptance for admission of the student to an eligible private school
School reqUireMentS
* Be a state accredited special purpose school
* Provide comprehensive dyslexia therapy instruction delivered by state Department of Education-licensed dyslexia therapists to children diagnosed with dyslexia as a primary learning disability
* Provide the state all documentation required for a student’s participation
* Provide parents with a written explanation of the student’s progress
* Conduct background checks on teachers and other school personnel
* Submit to annual audits of financial records by the state auditor
ScholarShip cap
* 100 percent of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program base student cost (state portion of per-pupil funding)
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 2012
MiSSiSSippi: dysLexia TheraPy sChoLarshiPnew
ProGraM
2012–13
0 3 6 9 12 15
13
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 13
Schools Participating 1
2012 expenditures $65,234
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 50
newProGraM
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate
StUdent eligibilitY
* Attended public school the previous year or received a scholarship the previous year
* Private school students are also eligible if their family income does not exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($69,150 for a family of four in 2012)
ScholarShip organization (So) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarship
* Comply with state and federal antidiscrimination and privacy laws
* Be registered with the director of charitable trusts
* Be approved by the state
* In awarding scholarships to students who attended public school or who received a scholarship the previous year, award at least 40 percent of scholarships to students who qualified for free and reduced-price lunch in the final year they were in public school
* Must not restrict scholarships for use at a single school and not reserve scholarships for specific students
* Submit to the state:
•Total number and dollar amount of scholarships awarded and the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch for each of the student eligibility categories
•Total dollar amount of donations spent on administrative expenses
•Total carryover dollar amount
•Total dollar amount of contributions used and not used for scholarships
•Number of scholarships distributed, per school, and the dollar range of those scholarships
•Analysis, by ZIP code, of the place of residence for each student receiving a scholarship
•Aggregated results of parental satisfaction survey, designed by the state
•Number of students who graduated and the number who dropped out of school
School reqUireMentS
* Comply with state home education law
ScholarShip cap
* $2,500 (average of all of SOs scholarships)
* At least $4,375 for students receiving special education programs or services
* The scholarship cap will increase by the annual growth of the Consumer Price Index, beginning in the second year of the program
tax credit ValUe
* 85 percent of donation
donor tax credit cap
* No more than 10 percent of the aggregate amount of tax credits permitted in a given year
Statewide cap
* First year: $3.4 million
* Second year: $5.1 million
* After second year, cap is allowed to increase by 25 percent in any year after 80 percent of the cap is reached
Year enacted
* 2012
new haMpShire: eduCaTion Tax CrediT ProGraM
ProGraM uPdaTe
Because this program was enacted in 2012, it has not yet received donations or granted scholarships at this time.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 51
P. 51 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Individual tuition tax credit
•Special needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Identified as having a disability
* Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
* Receives special education or related services on a daily basis
* Enrolled in a private school for one or two semesters during the taxable year
* Is a child for whom the parent is entitled to deduct a personal exemption
* Enrolled in a public school or receiving special education or related services through the public schools as a preschool child with a disability for the preceding two semesters
* Must be reevaluated every three years by the public school to verify that the child continues to be a child with a disability
parent reqUireMentS
* Provide the state with requested information about the student and the student’s education, including the tuition, special education, and related services expenses
tax credit aMoUnt
* Cost of tuition and special education services up to $6,000 per year, depending on the family tax liability
Year enacted
* 2011
north carolina: Tax CrediTs For ChiLdren wiTh disabiLiTies
ProGraM uPdaTe
Individual Tuition Tax Credits: an individual state income tax credit of significant size for educational expenses, including private school tuition. While individual tuition tax credits currently exist in a small number of states, the Alliance only officially counts North Carolina’s Tax Credits for Children with Disabilities because it is the only credit that is sufficiently large enough to affect a family’s ability to place their child in private school.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 52
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
• Means preferenced
StUdent eligibilitY
* Must live in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District
* Priority given to students living below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($46,100 for a family of four in 2012)
* Scholarship may continue throughout high school
* Private school students also eligible
School reqUireMentS
* Be registered to participate and chartered by the state
* Meet state standards for chartered nonpublic schools
* Comply with state laws regarding nondiscrimination and health and safety codes
* Administer the state tests, including the Ohio Graduation Test
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Tuition
•$4,250 – grades K–8
• $5,000 – grades 9–12
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* $23.4 million
Year enacted
* 1995
ohio: CLeveLand sChoLarshiP and TuTorinG ProGraM
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000
1996–97
1997–98
1998–99
1999–00
2000–01
2001–02
2002–03
2003–04
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
1,994
2,914
3,797
3,406
4,523
5,281
5,887
5,710
5,813
6,116
6,273
5,849
5,276
5,442
6,513
5,603
3,674
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
exPanded
ProGraM
Scholarships Awarded 6,513
Schools Participating 36
2012 expenditures $24,400,000
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 53
P. 53 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
• Special needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Be identified as autistic through assigned school district
* Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
* Private school students also eligible
School reqUireMentS
* Register with the state
* Comply with state nondiscrimination codes
* Demonstrate fiscal soundness
* Have properly credentialed staff
* Teachers and other staff working with children must undergo background checks
* In operation at least one full year
* Have adequate liability, property, and casualty insurance certified by a certified public accountant
* Obtain surety bond or letter of credit to cover value of scholarships
* Provide regular student progress reports to parents and resident public school
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
• Tuition
•$20,000
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 2003
ohio: auTisM sChoLarshiP ProGraM
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13 2,241
2,236
2,124
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500
300
475
734
1,005
1,500
1,672
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 2,241
Schools Participating 254
2012 expenditures $36,000,000
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 54
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Failing schools
StUdent eligibilitY
* Current public school students assigned to a school that has been in Academic Watch or Academic Emergency for two years of a three-year period or assigned to a school ranked in the bottom 10 percent of schools on the basis of its Performance Index score
* Students entering kindergarten in one of these schools also qualify
* Priority given to returning and low-income applicants
School reqUireMentS
* Be chartered by the state
* Meet state standards for chartered nonpublic schools
* Comply with state laws regarding nondiscrimination and health and safety codes
* Teachers and staff working with children must undergo background checks
* Administer state tests; test results are publicized on the Ohio Department of Education website
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Tuition
•$4,250 – grades K–8
•$5,000 – grades 9–12
• Scholarship can cover full tuition for students living under 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($46,100 for a family of four in 2012)
enrollMent cap
* 60,000
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 2005
ohio: eduCaTionaL ChoiCe sChoLarshiP ProGraM
2006–072007–082008–092009–102010–112011–122012–13
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000
2,7137,144
10,43211,242
13,733
17,05716,136
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 17,057
Schools Participating 331
2012 expenditures $66,000,000
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 55
P. 55 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Special Needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Identified as a child with a disability by the school district
* Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
* Not receiving a scholarship under the Educational Choice Scholarship Program, the Autism Scholarship Program, or the Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program for the same school year in which they are seeking the special needs scholarship
* In compliance with the state compulsory attendance law
* Private school students also eligible
School reqUireMentS
* Registered by the state
* Comply with state nondiscrimination laws
* Meet health and safety standards
* Submit in writing to the parents of the qualified special education child a profile of the provider’s special education program, including: methods of instruction that will be utilized to provide services to the child and the qualifications of teachers, instructors, and other persons who will provide services to the child
* Administer and report the results of the state’s tests, including the Ohio Graduation Test, unless the student is excused from taking that assessment under federal law or the student’s IEP
* Have properly credentialed staff
* Educational program approved by the state
* Provide record of the implementation of the IEP of each qualified special education student enrolled in the school, including evaluation of the child’s progress to the school district
* Submit to the state information on the type and cost of special education services given to scholarship recipients
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•Tuition and fees of the private school
•Student’s per-pupil special education funding amount based on disability, with a cap of $20,000
enrollMent cap
* No more than 5 percent of Ohio students identified as children with disabilities during the previous fiscal year (approximately 12,000 scholarships)
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 2011
ohio: Jon PeTerson sPeCiaL needs sChoLarshiP ProGraM
2012–13
0 300 600 900 1,200 1,500
1,371
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
daTa uPdaTe
Scholarships Awarded 1,371
Schools Participating 215
2012 expenditures $8,900,000*
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 56
Scholarships Awarded 197
Schools Participating 44
2012 expenditures $1,200,000
daTa uPdaTe
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Special Needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in effect at the time the scholarship is requested
* Attended public school the previous school year
* Children of U.S. military personnel transferring are exempt from prior year public school attendance requirement
* Have regular and direct contact with private school teachers at the physical location of the private school
School reqUireMentS
* Be accredited by the State Board of Education or approved accrediting association
* Comply with state nondiscrimination and health and safety requirements
* Must have been in operation for one school year prior to participation in the program
* Provide a statement by a certified public accountant confirming that the private school is insured and the owners have sufficient capital or credit to operate or provide record of a surety bond or credit for the amount equal to the scholarship funds for any quarter
* Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree or at least three years of teaching experience in public or private schools, or have special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in the subjects taught
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
•100 percent of the state and local public school funding for each child (takes into account grade and disability)
•Tuition and fees of the private school
* The local school district may keep up to 5 percent of the scholarship amount for administrative services
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* No specific program appropriation
Year enacted
* 2010
oklahoMa: Lindsey niCoLe henry sChoLarshiP For sTudenTs wiTh disabiLiTies ProGraM
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
0 50 100 150 200
10
149
197
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 57
P. 57 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate and individual
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed 300 percent of the free or reduced-price lunch program ($127,929 for a family of four in 2012)
* Attended or was eligible to attend a public school identified for school improvement pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 during the preceding school year
* Participating students and their siblings remain eligible until graduation
* For the special needs portion of the scholarship, eligible students must have attended a public school and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
ScholarShip granting organization (Sgo) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Register as a scholarship-granting organization with the state
* Spend portion of expenditures on scholarships for students who qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program ($42,643 for family of four in 2012) in an amount equal or greater to the percentage of eligible low-income students in the state
* Ensure scholarships are portable during the school year and can be used at any qualified school that accepts the eligible student
* Conduct background checks on employees and board members
* Maintain full and accurate records on contributions and expenditures and other documentation required by the state
School reqUireMentS
* Accredited by the state or a state-approved accrediting association
* Comply with health and safety laws and codes
* Has stated policy against discrimination
* Ensures academic accountability through regular progress reports to parents
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is greater:
•$5,000
•80 percent of average per-pupil expenditure in the student’s school district
•Up to $25,000 to cover the tuition, fees, and transportation costs at selected private school for special needs students
tax credit ValUe
* 50 percent
donor tax credit cap
* $1,000 individuals
* $2,000 married couples
* $100,000 corporations
Statewide cap
* 3.5 million
•$1.75 million individuals and married couples
•$1.75 million corporations
Year enacted
* 2011
oklahoMa: equaL oPPorTuniTy eduCaTion sChoLarshiPs
2012–13
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
35
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 35*
Schools Participating 21*
STos operating 1*
2012 Donations $26,000*
daTa uPdaTe
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 58
2001–02
2002–03
2003–04
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
38,646
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000
17,350
42,149
40,876
20,208
25,875
26,701
29,638
36,540
44,334
44,893
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed $60,000 ($75,000 after June 30, 2013), with an additional $12,000 allowed for each additional dependent.
•Income adjusted annually to reflect growth of the Consumer Price Index
* Private school students also eligible
* For special needs students, family income cannot exceed $60,000 ($75,000 after June 30, 2013), with an additional $12,000 per dependent multiplied by 1.5 for students not enrolled in special education schools (Support Level 1) or 2.9993 for students enrolled in special education schools (Support Level 2)
ScholarShip organization (So) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 80 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Make scholarships available for more than one school
* Submit annual report detailing donations received and scholarships awarded and proof of a financial review by a certified public accountant
School reqUireMentS
* Comply with the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964
* Meet state health and safety codes
* Teachers and other employees working with children must undergo background checks
ScholarShip cap
* Tuition and fees
tax credit ValUe
* 75 percent of one-year donation
* 90 percent of two-year donation
donor tax credit cap
* $400,000 for FY 2012–13
* $750,000 beginning in FY 2013–14
Statewide cap
* $60 million (out of $100 million total)
Year enacted
* 2001
pennSYlVania: eduCaTionaL iMProveMenT Tax CrediT
exPanded
ProGraM
Scholarships Awarded 42,149
Schools Participating Not Available
STos operating 257
2011 Donations $49,673,584
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 59
P. 59 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate
StUdent eligibilitY
* Children residing within the attendance boundary of a low-achieving school (bottom 15 percent based on combined reading and math scores on the state assessment)
* Preference given to:
•Students who received a scholarship during the previous year
• Students from households with a family income that does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($42,643 for a family of four in 2012)
* Family income cannot exceed $60,000 ($75,000 after June 30, 2013), with an additional $12,000 allowed for each additional dependent
•Income adjusted annually to reflect growth of the Consumer Price Index
* Private school students also eligible
* For special needs students, family income cannot exceed $60,000 ($75,000 after June 30, 2013), with an additional $12,000 per dependent multiplied by 1.5 for students not enrolled in special education schools (Support Level 1) or 2.9993 for students enrolled in special education schools (Support Level 2)
ScholarShip organization (So) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 80 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Make scholarships available for more than one school
* Submit annual report detailing donations received and scholarships awarded to the state, including number of scholarships awarded and total and average amounts of scholarships awarded to students from households with a family income that does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline
* Submit a copy of a financial audit conducted by a certified accounting firm
School reqUireMentS
* Comply with the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964
* Meet state health and safety codes
* Teachers and other employees working with children must undergo background checks
ScholarShip cap
Whichever is less:
* $8,500 for non-special education students
* $15,000 for special education students
* Tuition and fees
tax credit ValUe
* 75 percent of one-year donation
* 90 percent of two-year donation
donor tax credit cap
* $400,000 for FY 2012–13
* $750,000 beginning in FY 2013–14
Statewide cap
* $50 million
Year enacted
* 2012
pennSYlVania: eduCaTionaL oPPorTuniTy sChoLarshiP Tax CrediT new
ProGraM
ProGraM uPdaTe
Because this program was enacted in 2012, it has not yet received donations or granted scholarships at this time.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 60
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed 250 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($57,625 for a family of four in 2012)
* Other criteria determined by Scholarship Granting Organization
* Private school students also eligible
ScholarShip granting organization (Sgo) reqUireMentS
* Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Provide annual report to the state detailing number and value of scholarships awarded, ZIP codes of recipients, and criteria used to award scholarships
School reqUireMentS
* Comply with federal and state nondiscrimination laws
* Meet state health and safety codes
* Require teachers to have bachelor’s degrees
* Conduct teacher background checks
ScholarShip cap
* None
tax credit ValUe
* 75 percent of one-year donation
* 90 percent of two-year donation
donor tax credit cap
* $100,000
Statewide cap
* $1 million
Year enacted
* 2006
rhode iSland: rhode isLand CorPoraTe sChoLarshiP Tax CrediT
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
278
328
511
460
382
341
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 382
Schools Participating 54
SGos operating 5
2012 expenditures $1,000,000
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 61
P. 61 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Special needs
StUdent eligibilitY
* Identified as disabled and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
* Currently attending an eligible private school and be determined in need of specialized services
School reqUireMentS
* Be approved by the state
* Comply with federal nondiscrimination requirements of 42 U.S.C.s. 2000d
* Comply with state health and safety codes
* Submit to the state an audit and financial report completed by a certified public accountant
* Possess adequate working capital to maintain operations for the first year
* Disclose to parents the special education services to be provided and the cost of those services
* Administer annual assessment of student’s academic progress and report results to the student’s parents
* Teachers of recipients must have bachelor’s degrees, three years of teaching experience, or special skills
* Provide parents with teacher’s credentials
ScholarShip cap
* Based on state’s public school funding formula
•$7,040 – three or more hours of services
•$4,224 – less than three hours of services
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* 3.75 million
Year enacted
* 2005
Utah: Carson sMiTh sPeCiaL needs sChoLarshiP
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
107
340
548
582
602
747
672
715
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 672
Schools Participating 42
2012 expenditures $3,750,000
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 62
prograM tYpe
* Scholarship tax credit – Corporate and individual
StUdent eligibilitY
* Family income cannot exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($69,150 for a family of four in 2012)
* Attended public school the previous year or entering kindergarten or first grade
* An eligible student with a disability must satisfy the above requirement; they must also have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and their family income cannot exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($92,200 for a family of four in 2012)
ScholarShip foUndation (Sf) reqUireMentS
* Be approved by the state
* Use at least 90 percent of contributions for scholarships
* Make scholarships available for more than one school
* Comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
* Conduct an annual audit, review, or compilation on tax-credit-derived funds
* Submit to the state:
•Total number and dollar amount of contributions received
•Dates when such contributions were received
•Total number and dollar amount of scholarships awarded
School reqUireMentS
* Comply with state and local health and safety laws
* Hold a valid occupancy permit
* Comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
* Comply with nonpublic school accreditation requirements as set forth in Section 22.1-19, Code of Virginia, and administered by the Virginia Council for Private Education or nonpublic schools that maintain an assessment system that annually measures scholarship students’ progress in reading and math using a national norm-referenced achievement test
* Annually provide the state with scholarship students’ national norm-referenced achievement test results
* Annually provide the state with scholarship students’ graduation rates
ScholarShip cap
* Whichever is less:
• Tuition and instructional fees and materials
•100 percent of state per-pupil funding
tax credit ValUe
* 65 percent of donation
donor tax credit cap
* Corporate
•100 percent of state tax liability, no less than $500
* Individual and couple
•100 percent of state tax liability, no less than $500 and no more than $50,000
Statewide cap
* $25 million
Year enacted
* 2012
Virginia: eduCaTion iMProveMenT sChoLarshiPs Tax CrediTs new
ProGraM
ProGraM uPdaTe
Because this program was enacted in 2012, it has not yet received donations or granted scholarships at this time.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 63
P. 63 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
•Means tested
StUdent eligibilitY
* Qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program ($42,643 for a family of four in 2012) or participated in the program in the preceding year and has a family income of up to 300 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($69,150 for a family of four in 2012)
* Priority given to students who attend schools deemed in need of improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the federal No Child Left Behind Act; were awarded a scholarship in the preceding year; or have a sibling participating in the program
* Students from low-income families in other public schools are also eligible
* Students currently attending private school are also eligible
* Must take national norm-referenced standardized test
School reqUireMentS
* Must not discriminate
* Comply with district health and safety codes
* Maintain a valid certificate of occupancy
* Teachers in core subjects must have a bachelor’s degree
* Must be accredited and comply with other standards prescribed under the District of Columbia compulsory school attendance laws
* Must allow site visits by the administering program entity
* Administer a nationally norm-referenced standardized test; a comparative evaluation will be conducted utilizing D.C. Public Schools, charter schools, and OSP school testing data
* Submit proof of financial sustainability for schools in operation for five years or less
* Has financial systems in place to ensure that funds are used appropriately
ScholarShip cap
* $8,136 – grades K–8
* $12,205 – grades 9–12
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* $20 million authorized
Year enacted
* 2004
Scholarships Awarded 1,584
Schools Participating 52
2012 expenditures $13,434,625*
daTa uPdaTe
waShington, d.c.: d.C. oPPorTuniTy sChoLarshiP ProGraM
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
2004–05
2005–06
2006–07
2007–08
2008–09
2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13 1,584
1,615
1,022
1,712
1,799
1,933
1,716
1,319
1,041
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
*Alliance Estimate
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 64
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
• Means tested
StUdent eligibilitY
* Live in the Milwaukee Public School District
* Family income below 300 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($69,150 for a family of four in 2012), with an additional $7,000 allowed for households with married parents
* Private school students also eligible
School reqUireMentS
* Meet state nondiscrimination policies
* Meet state health and safety codes
* Allow students to opt out of religious programs
* Administer state testing to scholarship recipients in grades 4, 8, and 10 and provide scores to the School Choice Demonstration Project
* Receive accreditation within three years of participating in Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (current participating schools adding grades or creating a new school are exempt)
* Submit an annual financial audit conducted by a certified public accountant to the state
*Provide evidence of sound fiscal practices and financial viability to the state
* School administrators must undergo financial training and have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
* Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and teacher aides must have received a high school diploma or been granted a GED or HSED
* Must provide 1,050 hours of direct pupil instruction in grades 1–6 and 1,137 hours of direct pupil instruction in grades 7–12
* Must provide the state with information about the academic program at the participating school and student test score data
ScholarShip cap
* $6,442
enrollMent cap
* None
prograM fUnding
* 154.8 million
Year enacted
* 1990
wiSconSin: MiLwauKee ParenTaL ChoiCe ProGraM
1990–911991–921992–931993–941994–951995–961996–971997–981998–991999–002000–012001–022002–032003–042004–052005–062006–072007–082008–092009–102010–112011–122012–13
337504591
1,320
718786
1,606
7,5969,104
10,39111,209
12,78814,42715,274
17,12618,55019,414
20,32820,996
23,19824,027
5,7401,501
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
Scholarships Awarded 24,027
Schools Participating 112
2012 expenditures $154,800,000
daTa uPdaTe
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 65
P. 65 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
prograM tYpe
* Voucher
• Means tested
StUdent eligibilitY
* Live in Racine Unified School District
* Family income below 300 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($69,150 for family of four in 2012), with an additional $7,000 allowed for households with married parents
* Enrolled in public school in the Racine Unified School District the previous school year; entering school for the first time; or applying to attend kindergarten, first grade, or ninth grade at a participating private school
* Priority given to students who qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program ($41,348 for family of four in 2011) in the program’s first year
School reqUireMentS
* Meet state nondiscrimination policies
* Meet health and safety codes
* Allow students to opt out of religious programs
* Administer state testing to scholarship recipients in grades 4, 8, and 10
* Receive accreditation within three years of participating in the Racine Parental Choice Program
* Submit an annual financial audit conducted by a certified public accountant to the state
* Provide evidence of sound fiscal practices and financial viability to the state
* School administrators must undergo financial training and have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
* Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, and teacher aides must have received a high school diploma or been granted a GED or HSED
* Provide 1,050 hours of direct pupil instruction in grades 1–6 and 1,137 hours of direct pupil instruction in grades 7–12
* Must provide the state with information about the academic program at the participating schools and student test score data
ScholarShip cap
* $6,442
enrollMent cap
* 500 scholarships (2012–13)
* Cap removed beginning in the 2013–14 school year
prograM fUnding
* $3,221,000 (2012–13)
Year enacted
* 2011
wiSconSin: raCine ParenTaL ChoiCe ProGraM
2011–12
2012–13
0 100 200 300 400 500
228
500
sTudenT ParTiCiPaTion
daTa uPdaTedaTa uPdaTe
Scholarships Awarded 500
Schools Participating 11
2012 expenditures $3,221,000
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 66
accountability checkThe Alliance for School Choice supports strong, commonsense accountability provisions for private school choice
programs. Not only are transparency and accountability smart public policy, but they provide the educational choice
movement and advocates with readily available data and information to improve programs and to describe successes.
acadeMic accoUntabilitY – results in transparency to parents, policymakers, taxpayers, and donors. Parents must have the information to choose high-quality schools that meet the needs of their children, while policymakers, taxpayers, and donors must measure the impact of private school choice programs on academic achievement and attainment.
adMiniStratiVe accoUntabilitY – requires schools to meet health and safety codes, comply with nondiscrimination requirements, and conduct background checks on employees. In scholarship tax credit programs, Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) disclose donations and scholarship details, as well as conduct background checks of SGO operators.
financial accoUntabilitY – requires schools to file annual financial reports and demonstrate financial viability. In scholarship tax credit programs, financial accountability requires SGOs to demonstrate sound financial standing.
These charts detail the accountability provisions required in private school choice programs as of the 2012–13 school year:
Accountability Standards in
VoUcher prograMS
Financial academicadministrative
hea
lth a
nd s
afet
y
back
grou
nd C
heck
s
non
disc
rimin
atio
n
annu
al F
inan
cial
rep
ortin
g
Proo
f of F
inan
cial
via
bilit
yPu
blic
rep
ortin
g of
res
ults
stan
dard
ized
ass
essm
ents
inde
pend
ent e
valu
atio
n
colorado Douglas county choice Scholarship Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
Florida John M. McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program Ç Ç Ç Ç
Georgia Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program Ç Ç Ç
indiana choice Scholarship Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
louisiana Student Scholarships for educational excellence Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
louisiana School choice Pilot Program for certain Students with exceptionalities Ç Ç
Mississippi Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship Ç Ç Ç Ç
ohio cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program Ç Ç Ç Ç
ohio Autism Scholarship Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
ohio educational choice Scholarship Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
ohio Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
oklahoma lindsey Nicole henry Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program Ç Ç Ç
Utah carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
washington, D.c. D.c. opportunity Scholarship Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
wisconsin Milwaukee Parental choice Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
wisconsin Racine Parental choice Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
* Not necessarily a standardized test; law requires formal testing procedure
*
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 67
P. 67 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
Financial academicadministrative
hea
lth a
nd s
afet
y
back
grou
nd C
heck
s
non
disc
rimin
atio
n
Proo
f of F
inan
cial
via
bilit
y
annu
al a
udits
(ran
dom
sam
ple)
Publ
ic r
epor
ting
of r
esul
ts
stan
dard
ized
ass
essm
ents
inde
pend
ent e
valu
atio
n
Arizona Arizona empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program Ç Ç
Arizona individual School Tuition organization Tax credit Ç Ç Ç Ç
Arizona corporate School Tuition organization Tax credit Ç Ç Ç Ç
Arizona lexie's law Ç Ç Ç Ç
Florida Florida Tax credit Scholarship Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
Georgia Georgia Scholarship Tax credit Program Ç Ç Ç Ç
indiana corporate and individual Scholarship Tax credit Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
iowa individual and corporate School Tuition organization Tax credit Ç Ç Ç Ç
louisiana Tuition Donation Rebate Program Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
New hampshire New hampshire education Tax credit Ç
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Pennsylvania educational improvement Tax credit Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
Pennsylvania educational opportunity Scholarship Tax credit Ç Ç Ç
Rhode island Rhode island corporate Scholarship Tax credit Ç Ç Ç Ç
Virginia education improvement Scholarships Tax credits Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç Ç
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School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 68
AGUDATh iSRAelagudathisrael.org
AlliANce FoR School choiceallianceforschoolchoice.org
AMeRicAN ceNTeR FoR School choiceamcsc.org
AMeRicAN FeDeRATioN FoR chilDReNfederationforchildren.org
BlAcK AlliANce FoR eDUcATioNAl oPTioNS (BAeo)baeo.org
BRooKiNGS iNSTiTUTioNbrookings.edu
coUNcil FoR AMeRicAN PRiVATe eDUcATioN (cAPe)capenet.org
ceNTeR FoR eDUcATioN ReFoRMedreform.com
chilDReN’S ScholARShiP FUNDscholarshipfund.org
DeMocRATS FoR eDUcATioN ReFoRM (DFeR)dfer.org
eDUcATioN BReAKThRoUGh NeTwoRKedbreakthrough.org
eDUcATioN NexTeducationnext.org
FoUNDATioN FoR excelleNce iN eDUcATioNexcelined.org
FRieDMAN FoUNDATioN FoR eDUcATioNAl choiceedchoice.org
GReATSchoolSgreatschools.org
heARTlAND iNSTiTUTeheartland.org
heRiTAGe FoUNDATioNheritage.org
hiSPANic coUNcil FoR ReFoRM AND eDUcATioNAl oPTioNS (hcReo)hcreo.com
iNSTiTUTe FoR JUSTiceij.org
iNTeRNATioNAl ASSociATioN FoR K-12 oNliNe leARNiNGinacol.org
K12k12.com
NATioNAl AlliANce FoR PUBlic chARTeR SchoolSpubliccharters.org
NATioNAl School choice weeKschoolchoiceweek.com
oRThoDox UNioNou.org
PAReNTS UNioNparentrevolution.org
ReDeFiNeDredefinedonline.org
School choice DeMoNSTRATioN PRoJecTuark.edu
STAND FoR chilDReNstand.org
STUDeNTSFiRSTstudentsfirst.org
ThoMAS B. FoRDhAM iNSTiTUTeedexcellence.net
UNiTeD STATeS coNFeReNce oF cATholic BiShoPSusccb.org
national organizations Supporting educational choiceNational organizations supporting educational choice are working across the country to expand educational options. Below are some of the organizations with whom the Alliance for School Choice has partnered.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 69
P. 69 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
arizoNaArizona School Choice Trustasct. org
Arizona School Tuition Organization Associationastoa.com
Goldwater Institutegoldwaterinstitute.org
arkaNsasArkansans for Education Reform Foundationeducatearkansas.com
FloridaFlorida Federation for Childrenflorida4children.org
Step Up for Studentsstepupforstudents.org
GeorGia
Center for an Educated Georgiaeducatedgeorgia.org
Georgia Parent Advocacy Networkmygpan.org
Georgia Public Policy Foundationgppf.org
iNdiaNaSchool Choice Indianaindianaschoolchoice.com
iowaIowa Alliance for Choice in Educationiowaace.org
louisiaNaLouisiana Federation for Childrenlouisiana4children.org
Black Alliance for Educational Options—Louisianalouisiana.baeo.org
MissouriChildren’s Education Alliance of Missourichildrenseducationalliance-mo.org
New HaMpsHireNetwork for Educational Opportunitynetworkforeducation.org
New JerseyBetter Education for Kidsb4njkids.org
Excellent Education for Everyonenje3.org
We Can Do Better NJwecandobetternewjersey.org
New MexicoEducate New Mexicoeducatenm.org
NortH caroliNaParents for Educational Freedom in North Carolinapefnc.org
oHioSchool Choice Ohioscohio.org
peNNsylvaNiaREACH Foundationpaschoolchoice.org
Students First Pennsylvaniastudentsfirstpa.com
rHode islaNdRhode Island Scholarship Alliancerischolarshipalliance.org
soutH caroliNaSouth Carolinians for Responsible Governmentscrgov.org
teNNesseeBeacon Center of Tennesseebeacontn.org
Tennessee Federation for Childrentenessee4children.org
texasTexas Parents Uniontxparentsunion.org
Texas Public Policy Foundationtexaspolicy.com
utaHParents for Choice in Educationchoiceineducation.org
virGiNiaThomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policythomasjeffersoninst.org
wiscoNsiNHispanics for School Choicehispanicsforschoolchoice.com
School Choice Wisconsinschoolchoicewi.org
State organizations Supporting educational choiceState and local organizations supporting educational choice are working across the country to allow families access to high-quality educational options. Below are some of the organizations with whom the Alliance for School Choice has partnered.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 70
aBout uSMission:
To improve our nation’s K-12 education by advancing systemic and sustainable public policy
that empowers parents, particularly those in low-income families, to choose the education they
determine is best for their children.
The Alliance for School Choice is a national educational choice leader, investing in states with the
greatest potential for enacting or expanding high-quality, accountable school choice programs. We
provide policy and program expertise, implementation strategies and guidance, promote and defend
school choice programs, and build local organizational infrastructure for long-term growth, impact,
and sustainability. In collaboration with national and state allies, we work to create opportunities for
systemic and sustainable educational reform that puts parents in charge, gives low-income families
expanded opportunities, and improves educational outcomes for participating children.
board of directorS
betsy deVos, Chairman Grand Rapids, Michigan
John f. kirtley, Vice Chairman Tampa, Florida
bill oberndorf, Chairman Emeritus San Francisco, California
boykin curry New York, New York
peter flanigan New York, New York
Joel greenberg Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
carrie penner Palo Alto, California
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
Page 71
P. 71 School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice
Sources and creditsThe authors of the 2012–13 School Choice Yearbook utilized information from a variety of sources in
developing this annual publication. To maintain the flow of the document without interruption, the
sourcing for the book is provided in this section.
The authors remain grateful to the state officials and school choice organizations that participated in our
rigorous research. Their dedication and hard work have helped to make the Alliance for School Choice’s
Yearbook unparalleled in its accuracy.
photographS
All of the photographs that appear in the 2012–13 School Choice Yearbook were provided by educational choice organizations
across the country. We are enormously grateful to the following organizations for providing photographs for use in
this publication:
•Arizona School Choice Trust
•Black Alliance for Educational Options
•Center for an Educated Georgia
•Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options
•National School Choice Week
•School Choice Wisconsin
the reSearch realitY of edUcational choice
Comprehensive Longitudinal Evaluation of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program: Summary of Final Reports, School
Choice Demonstration Project, Department SCDP Milwaukee Evaluation Report #36, February 2012.
Education in Battleground States, The American Federation for Children and the Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational
Options conducted by Beck Research, n=750, Likely Voters in Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, New Jersey, and Nevada. April 17–22, 2012.
Effects of School Vouchers on College Enrollment: Experimental Evidence from New York City, The Brookings Institution
and Harvard University, August 2012.
Evaluation of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, Institute of Education Sciences, United States Department of
Education, June 2010.
Evaluation of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, Institute of Education Sciences, United States Department of
Education, 2009.
Evaluation of Florida’s Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship Program: Participation, Compliance, and Test Scores in
2007–08, Northwestern University and National Bureau of Economic Research, June 2009.
Evaluation of Florida’s Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship Program: Participation, Compliance, and Test Scores in
2008–09, Northwestern University and National Bureau of Economic Research, June 2010.
School choice Yearbook 2012–13
School choice Now: The Power of educaTional choice P. 72
parental SatiSfaction SUrVeYS:
* Georgia Scholarship Tax Credit Program: Conducted by Arete Scholars Fund for 2011-12
* D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program: Conducted by the D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation for 2011-12
* Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program: Conducted by the Black Alliance for Educational Options for 2011-12
* Florida Scholarship Tax Credit: Conducted by the American Federation for Children for 2012-13
* Racine Parental Choice Program
Student Attainment and the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, School Choice Demonstration Project, Department of
Education Reform, University of Arkansas, March 2011.
featUre: the faceS of edUcational choice
Thank you to the parents of the profiled students, and School Choice Ohio, School Choice Indiana, the D.C. Children and Youth
Investment Trust Corporation, Step Up for Students, and Hispanics for School Choice.
State profileS
arizona: Information on the Individual School Tuition Organization Tax Credit, Corporate School Tuition Organization Tax
Credit, and Lexie’s Law provided by the Arizona Department of Revenue (Georganna Meyer). Information on the Arizona
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program provided by the Arizona Department of Education (Aiden Fleming).
Florida: Information on the John M. McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program provided by the Florida
Department of Education (Christopher Fenton). Information on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship provided by Step Up for
Students (Jon East), which administers the program.
Georgia: Information on the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program provided by the Georgia Department of Education.
Information on the Georgia Scholarship Tax Credit Program provided by the Georgia Department of Revenue (Monique R. Williams).
indiana: Information provided by the Indiana Department of Education (Ted Feeney).
iowa: Information provided by the Iowa Department of Revenue (Jim McNulty).
Louisiana: Information provided by the Louisiana Department of Education (Dan Fuchs and Brian Darrow).
Mississippi: Information provided by the Mississippi Department of Education.
ohio: Information provided by the Ohio Department of Education (Sue Cosmo).
oklahoma: Information on the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program provided by the
Oklahoma Department of Education (Cheryl Hassell). Information on the Equal Opportunity Education Scholarships Program
provided by the Catholic Schools Opportunity Scholarship Fund, Inc. (Barney Semtner).
Pennsylvania: Information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (James L.
O’Donnell).
rhode island: Information provided by the Rhode Island Department of Revenue.
utah: Information provided by Parents for Choice in Education (Judi Clark).
washington, d.C.: Information proved by the D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, which administers
the program.
wisconsin: Information provided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (Molly J. Koranda).
1660 L street, nw, suite 1000
washington, d.C. 20036
Phone: 202.280.1990
Email: [email protected]
www.allianceforSchoolchoice.org