Wyoming's Opportunity: Joining the School Choice Movement

1. Empowering Parents

One of the school choice movement's fundamental principles is empowering parents. It recognizes that parents know their children best and should have a say in where and how their children are educated. By offering various educational options such as charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, and more, parents can choose the best fit for their child's unique needs. School choice ensures parents can make informed decisions about their child's education, which is essential for their development.

2. Encouraging Innovation

School choice encourages innovation in education. When schools face competition, they are incentivized to improve and tailor their educational offerings to meet the needs of their students. This leads to a more diverse and dynamic education system that can adapt to changing educational needs and preferences. In a state like Wyoming, where rural communities face unique challenges, school choice can foster creativity and adaptability in designing educational solutions that work for all students.

3. Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners

Every child is unique, and the traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn't always serve the diverse needs of students. The school choice movement recognizes this and offers alternatives to traditional public schools, making it easier for students with special needs, learning disabilities, or particular interests to access education that suits them. This inclusivity is crucial for ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to succeed in education.

4. Accountability and Performance

School choice is not about eliminating public schools but fostering competition and improving educational outcomes. Schools are more likely to provide high-quality education when they are held accountable for their performance. By allowing parents to choose the best school for their children, schools must compete for students, leading to improved standards, accountability, and a focus on student success. The result is an educational system that strives to offer the best education possible.

5. Economic Benefits

The school choice movement can have positive economic impacts as well. By giving parents the ability to choose the right school for their children, they are more likely to be satisfied with their child's education, which can lead to improved job opportunities and economic stability. Moreover, it can attract families to move to or stay in Wyoming, leading to increased economic growth and stability in the state.

While Wyoming legislators have held back from embracing the school choice movement, there are compelling reasons for the state to step up and get on board. Empowering parents, encouraging innovation, addressing diverse learners' needs, improving accountability and performance, and realizing economic benefits are just a few of this movement's advantages.

As the education landscape continues to evolve, embracing school choice may be the key to ensuring that Wyoming's students receive the best possible education tailored to their unique needs. By joining the school choice movement, Wyoming can provide its students with a brighter and more prosperous future while ensuring that education remains a top priority in the state. As a well-known advocate for the school choice community, Corey DeAngelis says, "We need to fund students, not systems."

Speaking of Corey, check out his recent testimony at the House Ways and Means Committee meeting.