Jovani Patterson, a Project 21 ambassador and a Baltimore community activist, says National School Choice Week (NSCW) is a worthy cause.
"I think our school systems now have gotten too bloated in trying to fit all children into one pathway," he tells AFN. "I think it's good that parents can see that there are other options outside of the prescribed school system."
His organization wants parents to recognize that choice exists and can be good for their children.
"School systems now … don't really want parental involvement," Patterson laments. "They'd rather have parental conformity against school choice, giving parents options, and recognizing parents can provide the best options or know their children best."
He submits, however, that parents, "the first educators," know their kids better than school systems.
"Giving parents the right to choose how and where their children are being educated is, I think, the right path," Patterson reiterates.
Schools, organizations, and parents across the country are holding thousands of local events for National School Choice Week, which started this past Sunday and continues through Saturday, February 1.
Grant Callen of Empower Mississippi is encouraged that Magnolia State legislators in both chambers have already introduced school choice bills this session.
"There are bills introduced that would expand public to public, charter, and private school choice," he reports.
House Bill 1433, or the Mississippi Quality Desert Education Enrollment and Transfer Scholarship Act, would allow students in D- and F-rated school districts or schools to take their individual portion of state education, $6,995, and spend it on tuition at a private school with good standing.
Callen is also thankful for the leadership of Tate Reeves (R), who supported school choice long before he became governor.
"Governor Reeves has long been a supporter of giving parents more options," says Callen. "Our speaker of the House, Jason White, has made this a top priority of his. He's been working with his colleagues in the House to advance strong school choice bills."
Though the House Education Committee is poised to debate House Bill 1433, the bill's sponsor and House Education Chairman Rob Roberson (R-Starkville) has said it is unlikely to pass through his committee or the House chamber in its introduced form.
He has reportedly hinted that he filed the bill to "stir the pot" and promote discussions on school choice.
"Sometimes the best way to get answers is to drop the bill, have a conversation, and see the good, the bad and the ugly that will come with it," Roberson said.
