U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined 25 other members of the U.S. Senate in backing a resolution recognizing January 21-27, 2024, as the 14th National School Choice Week.
The resolution praised the benefits of school choice while proclaiming that "the process by which parents choose schools for their children is nonpolitical, nonpartisan, and deserves the utmost respect." The resolution also encouraged parents to learn more about different education options.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to excel in the classroom, no matter where they live," Tuberville said. "In my career as an educator and coach, I saw too many kids slip through the cracks. Parents, not the government, should make decisions about a student's educational future. I'm committed to breaking down educational barriers so that the next generation of leaders are empowered to achieve the American Dream, which is why I'm proud to join this resolution recognizing National School Choice Week."
Britt agreed that parents should be "empowered" to make the best decisions about their child's education.
"School choice means educational freedom. It empowers families to make important decisions that help their children grow, achieve and secure a bright future," she said. "Every student – and every family's situation – is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what works best for every student's education. For some, it's their traditional local public school. For others, it's a public magnet school, a charter school, a vocational school, a private school, a parochial school, a homeschool, or maybe it's a hybrid option. This week, let's recommit to putting parents back in the driver's seat so that they are empowered to make the best decisions for their own child's education."
School choice has become a national talking point on both sides of the political aisle. On the right, many parents feel schools are indoctrinating their children with inappropriate content and want the state to butt out of education. Meanwhile, those on the left worry about a lack of funding for public schools should parents choose alternative education models.
For the last three years in Alabama, lawmakers have discussed offering state education money to parents to use in non-public or public schools outside traditional zoning requirements. The issue Is already slated to reappear in the state's upcoming legislative session.
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