Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Tennessee

Vouchers

Sticking points

Tennessee
3 days ago

Pro-voucher groups want clarity on private school background checks for new Tennessee program

Three pro-voucher groups express concern about a proposed rule regarding background checks for employees at private schools accepting taxpayer money.

Election 2020

Indiana
October 10, 2019

Why a candidate for governor wants to end vouchers, even though it’s politically ‘not possible’

One candidate vying for the Democratic nomination in Indiana’s governor’s race is proposing a sweeping and unlikely plan to raise teacher pay.

private school segregation

National
September 30, 2019

Worried about school segregation? Don’t forget private schools

While 11% of students attend private schools, those schools account for 15% of racial segregation, according to a new study.

flip flop

National
September 23, 2019

Cory Booker now says he opposes school vouchers. But he backed D.C.’s voucher program just months ago

“The evidence has become clear that vouchers do not help — and in fact, hurt — the cause of educational equity,” Booker said in response to a candidate survey.

Rules & Regs

Tennessee
Updated September 19, 2019

Tennessee fast-tracks voucher rules, but concerns resurface about testing accountability

The State Board of Education has given preliminary approval to a gamut of regulations governing the controversial program.

Chalkbeat syllabus

Tennessee
September 16, 2019

From school vouchers to school turnaround, here are the stories we’re focusing on this year

Here are the Tennessee education stories that we plan to cover this year.

changeup

Tennessee
Updated August 23, 2019

Tennessee replaces its voucher-friendly House speaker with a voucher opponent

Rep. Cameron Sexton, a Republican from Crossville, is overwhelmingly elected as the chamber's top leader.

survey says

National
August 20, 2019

3 out of 4 Americans support giving teachers a raise, the highest in a decade

Nearly three in four Americans think teachers should be paid more, the poll shows.

money matters

Tennessee
July 11, 2019

Tennessee governor promises ‘funding will be there’ for early voucher start

The legislature approved $770,000 for startup expenses this year while setting a two-year deadline to enroll students in the program. 

Project Manager

Tennessee
July 11, 2019

Schwinn taps deputy with voucher experience to build Tennessee’s program

Amity Schuyler, who became deputy commissioner of Tennessee’s education department in May, is named project manager.

Accelerated

Tennessee
July 10, 2019

Tennessee’s governor wants education voucher program to launch a year ahead of deadline

The controversial new program could begin in the fall of 2020 instead of 2021.

Voucher debate

Indiana
July 1, 2019

An Indiana private school’s $500 recruitment deal reignites debate over voucher oversight

A small but growing private school in Noblesville offered a deal to its families: Get a friend to enroll at Legacy Christian School, and you'll get $500 off your tuition.

First Person

Tennessee
June 12, 2019

I’m a public school teacher in Memphis. Here’s why the state’s new voucher-like program worries me.

Will anyone notice if my students, who are mostly low-income, African-American and Latino, aren't getting their needs met?

Spending priorities

Tennessee
June 10, 2019

Tennessee’s sweeping literacy initiative in jeopardy as funding dries up

Tennessee’s statewide network of literacy coaches is being dismantled this month and its popular summer reading program is in jeopardy.

Official

Tennessee
Updated May 24, 2019

Tennessee governor signs controversial education voucher bill into law

Gov. Bill Lee quietly signed his education savings account plan into law on Friday despite calls from Democrats to hold off.
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