The promise of Tennessee’s private school discount scheme (school vouchers, ESAs, freedom scholarships) was that students would be able to use public funds to enjoy better opportunities at private schools. The goal: Improving overall education outcomes.
The result? Complete and utter failure.
The Tennessean notes that only 17% of kids receiving vouchers scored proficient on the state’s standardized math test and 24% reached proficiency in English.
I mean, that sounds bad - but, how does it compare to public school results?
Public school students scored 43% in math proficiency and 40% in English.
Not just a little better, a LOT better.
The good news for private school operators - and bad news for taxpayers - is that the legislature this year expanded the voucher program to $300 million AND ended the requirement that students taking vouchers must take state standardized tests.
More money out the door, now down to zero accountability.
We all know it was never about academics.