Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

American Federation for Children

school choice word choice

National
January 18, 2018

The ‘V’ word: Why school choice advocates avoid the term ‘vouchers’

Voters said they narrowly opposed school vouchers, 47 to 49 percent, even though similar approaches won much more support.

Capitol Hill

Tennessee
January 8, 2018

Vouchers have dominated Tennessee’s ed debate for years, but won’t in 2018. Here’s why — and what could come next.

Here are four explanations behind the dramatic shift — and a look at why the climate could change again next year.

tribute

Tennessee
September 14, 2017

Betsy DeVos laments death of Memphis civil rights leader Dwight Montgomery

The local president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was one of few prominent black civil rights leaders to back the divisive education chief.

policy choices

National
July 30, 2017

Do vouchers actually expand school choice? Not necessarily — it depends on how they’re designed

Who benefits most from private school voucher programs: families with few options or the schools themselves?

choice words

National
July 23, 2017

Critics of vouchers say they’re marred by racism and exacerbate segregation. Are they right?

A recent report described the “racist origins” of school vouchers; school choice backers have vehemently denied the charge. So what do we know about the competing claims?

madame secretary

Colorado
July 13, 2017

Betsy DeVos is coming to Denver for a meeting of the conservative group ALEC — and protesters are ready

DeVos is speaking to the annual meeting of ALEC, which is influential in crafting conservative, free-market friendly legislation.

the future of advocacy

National
May 30, 2017

For Betsy DeVos and her former advocacy group, the future of education means ‘personalization,’ including virtual schools

When Betsy DeVos returned to the advocacy group she used to lead last week, she told attendees to push for systems where students could attend…

School choices

National
Updated May 25, 2017

School choice supporters downplay new voucher research, saying schools are more than a test score

Leading supporters emphasized the impact the programs have beyond test scores, as well as the shortcomings of recent studies.

expansion plans

National
May 22, 2017

Betsy DeVos promises an expansive school choice plan, says opting out would be ‘terrible mistake’ for states

The U.S. education secretary offered few details about the plan, which she said would be voluntary for states.
Indiana
April 13, 2017

How vouchers transformed Indiana: Private schools now live or die by test scores, too

Low test scores have cost 16 schools the right to accept new vouchers. At least three have closed.

behind the scenes

Tennessee
November 30, 2016

Trump’s nominee for ed chief already has influenced Tennessee’s voucher debate

This election cycle alone, advocacy groups founded and led by Betsy DeVos helped to oust at least one outspoken voucher opponent in Tennessee’s House of Representatives.