A Scan of Private School Voucher Legislation in the U.S. South
by Terrence Wilson, J.D. • August 2023 •
Recent attempts from pro-voucher policymakers have capitalized on the frustrations of parents that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and currently accelerated by cultural grievances to advance vouchers rather than focusing on improving public schools using evidence-based strategies like IDRA’s Quality Schools Action Framework.
Research shows that voucher programs are harmful for numerous reasons, from draining funds from already stressed public schools to their history of exacerbating current patterns of segregation.
In 2023, several states attempted to create new voucher programs or expand current offerings. IDRA’s eBook, School Dollars Diverted in 2023 – A Scan of Private School Voucher Legislation in the U.S. South, by Terrence Wilson, J.D., gives a state-by-state update on voucher legislation and proposals.
