A new report released by the Network for Public Education evaluates each state's commitment to democratically governed schools. The report measures the level of privatization in each state and assesses whether charter and voucher laws promote equity, responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
States are ranked based on factors such as voucher and charter expansion, protections, financial support for public schools, and safeguards for homeschooled students. The report aims to highlight policies that prioritize public solutions and protect the interests of students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.
The top five states in the ranking are North Dakota, Connecticut, Vermont, Illinois, and Nebraska. On the other hand, the bottom five states are Arkansas, North Carolina, Utah, Arizona, and Florida.
Findings from the report reveal that students with disabilities may lose their rights under IDEA when using vouchers for private schools. Additionally, only Washington, D.C., mandates that students in voucher programs take the same state tests as public and charter school students. Furthermore, 26 voucher states do not require teachers in voucher-accepting schools to be certified.
States like Florida, Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada rank poorly in terms of financial support for public schools. Conversely, Oregon and Illinois excel in the freedom to teach and learn category, with Michigan and Pennsylvania following closely behind.
The Network for Public Education, founded in 2013, advocates for the preservation and improvement of public schools. The organization's mission is to strengthen public education for current and future generations of students.
This report contrasts with those from pro-school choice groups like the Heritage Foundation's Education Report Card. While there is ongoing debate about the future of public education, a recent survey indicates bipartisan support for using tax dollars to bolster public schools rather than diverting funds to private institutions.
