Oregon Innovates During “The Year of School Choice”

The Wall Street Journal recently called 2011 “The Year of School Choice.” According to the July editorial:

“No fewer than 13 states have enacted school choice legislation in 2011, and 28 states have legislation pending….Louisiana enhanced its state income tax break for private school tuition; Ohio tripled the number of students eligible for school vouchers; and North Carolina passed a law letting parents of students with special needs claim a tax credit for expenses related to private school tuition and other educational services.”

It should be added that here in Oregon, our legislature passed a bill to allow open enrollment among public school districts. Starting in 2012, parents may enroll their children in another district as long as the receiving district is accepting transfers. This arrangement can promote increased enrollment in schools with empty seats while offering additional opportunities to out-of-district children.

A second bill eased enrollment restrictions for online schools. A third allows public universities and colleges to sponsor charter schools. All three bills have been signed into law by Governor John Kitzhaber.

It’s becoming increasingly evident that allowing families more freedom in educating their kids is the way of the future. In a pioneer state, Oregonians should be proud of the ways we are innovating to give students more diverse choices in education.