Public funds should remain in public schools, with oversight from local communities.
Policies that funnel much-needed resources to charter schools, private school vouchers, and other similar programs hurt traditional public schools and the students and families they serve.
Learn more about IDRA’s work to keep the public in public education below.
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Traditional public schools receive public funds, are operated by publicly-elected school boards, and should be held accountable by the communities, families and students they serve. Public governance, engagement and accountability are critical parts of ensuring strong schools for all students.
Unfortunately, there is a growing movement to invest in charter schools, voucher programs, education savings account, and other programs that funnel money away from the public schools that are open to all students, toward privately-run schools and individual families.
IDRA collaborates with students, families, and other advocacy organizations to protect and improve traditional public schools. Our research and advocacy aim to challenge the narratives that lead to bad policies and practices that harm public school students.
Learn more about IDRA’s policy recommendations for Texas.
Resources
Changing Policy
New Charters Must Still Be Accountable to the State Board of Education and Communities, IDRA testimony against Senate Bill 28, submitted by Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., to the Senate Education Committee, March 25, 2021
Joint Statement: Increase the Transparency and Efficiency of Charter Schools in Texas
Texas: Joint legislative agenda to make every dollar count for all Texas students, signed by IDRA and 20 other education and policy organizations, January 2021
Statement: Vouchers: Unwise, Unworkable & Unfair
Acting on Research and Data
Analysis: Cutting Public School Relief Funds to Subsidize Private Schools
Study: Texas Charter School System Suffers Low Graduation Rates
Infographic: Charter School Study – Pomp and Poor Circumstances
Engaging Communities
Texas: Letter to Texas Education Commissioner re 2020 Charter Amendments
Texas: Joint Statement: Increase the Transparency and Efficiency of Charter Schools in Texas
Georgia: Joint Letter: Opposition to Georgia’s Proposed Expansion of School Vouchers
Communicating Effectively
Bill targets Texas charter school admissions, Austin American-Statesman, March 21, 2019
Sistema escolar chárter con tasas bajas de graduación. Agencia de Educación de Texas, Edelia Hernández, El Mañana, January 11, 2018
