"This whole accountability issue is based on the presumption that if you are accountable to government authorities, then the taxpayer is well protected," he said. "Private schools are accountable to parents."
This main point is why this program will be so successful. The complex bureaucratic obstacles and political boondoggling has crippled PS in this area statewide. So, frusturated and disappointed parents are more inclined to choose a school they have a "voice" in - private schools, or, PS that are in partnership with the parents in educating their children. The John M. McKay Scholarships for Students With Disabilities offers parents an excellent opportunity to change to another PS in their district or choose a qualified private school.
One caveat however, not all private schools are a better choice for parents than PS. Many private schools are scholastically no better than the PS they just left from, but they tell the parents exactly "what they want to hear". Parents must take the time to investigate private schools thoroughly - perceptions are not facts.
IMO - the whole issue of vouchers if they do anything at all . . . they provide parents with a tool to get involved, take back their responsibilities, and become part of their child's educational process, and, that is why we need them.
THANKS, Jeb, for giving parents of special needs children options for success.
FReeregards . . .
