Tennessee's New School Voucher Program: A Game Changer or a Step Backwards?

In a move that will change the education landscape, Tennessee's lawmakers have expanded the use of vouchers. This expansion happens because Tennessee's Governor Bill Lee has pushed for a larger school voucher program. He has the same views that many Republicans have. This group has shown heavy criticism of public schools for various reasons. Governors are not the only ones that have been showing up the pressure! A key point to remember is that a new voucher plan will provide 20, 000 vouchers worth $7, 000 to students, half of which are for those below the poverty line or disabled. This means students can attend private schools. The testing follows these students. Now let's be critical. In other states, the voucher plan has shown that it does not improve test scores. It also has not resulted in better educational outcomes, but it has definitely created a hole in the state's budget. A major concern about this shift is the potential for public school funding to be drained. The money for the vouchers is already planned to be over $420 million. That includes bonuses for teachers. Given this, there are arguments that vouchers are more helpful to wealthy families, who may not need the extra financial support. Tennessee State Senator Jack Johnson, a Republican, says that this is all about giving parents more choices. He asks, "Shouldn't parents, regardless of income, be allowed to choose the best school for their children? " Lee has echoed this view. He believes that this is meant to provide the best education for all Tennesseans. There is a lot to be said about this plan. Opponents counter this with another question, "Why not focus on improving public schools first, before diverting funds to private institutions? " It is worth noting that advocates of public education have emphasized the need for equitable distribution of resources and the potential harm to public schools if funds are diverted. The big concern is that this will create a gap of have and have-nots in the state. Those who back vouchers argue that it promotes competition and offers parents a broader range of educational options. The Education Freedom Act will come into play in the 2025-26 school year, allowing students to use vouchers at state-accredited private schools. It will be a change. But it is a change that comes with a lot of questions that need to be answered. Questions about funding, questions about the welfare of students, and questions about the future of education in Tennessee. Stay tuned for more updates.