In a special episode of the poor over today, we're explaining the debate about school choice, including where VP Harris and former President Trump stand.

This is the 11th episode of our election collection, designed to help us grow in understanding

and compassion on key 2024 election topics. In the years since 2020, American discontent with K-12 public education has spread like a case of classroom lice.

In 2019, 51% of Americans were completely or somewhat satisfied with the quality of public school education.

In 2023, that number dropped to 36%. One outcome of this

discontent has been increased debate over school choice. In a traditional school system taxes go toward funding low-income. school

system taxes go toward funding local public schools.

With school choice programs, public funding follows the child

so that parents receive financial help if they choose to opt out of their local

assigned public school in favor of a private or homeschool option.

As of 2024, 32 states plus Washington, D.C. have at least one school choice program.

1.9% of American students use school choice programs, and 71% of Americans support some form of school choice.

School choice programs come in different policy shapes and sizes.

Here are a few key terms to know. Charter schools. The OG school choice for

parents. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that don't have the same curriculum or

methodology requirements as traditional public schools.

Some focus on certain disciplines like the arts or STEM.

Admission is by application and usually lottery, but tuition is free.

Magnet schools. Like charter schools, magnets are public schools

with specialized curriculum and free admission,

but enrollment is based on a competitive admissions process.

Education Savings Accounts or ESAs

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