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Newswire – December 1, 2020

AT LAST – 2020 IS ALMOST OVER!

And as the preachers saycan we get an “Amen” to that!  As this very challenging year winds down hooray! folks are preparing for the arrival of the jolly old fat man, and we don’t mean Burl Ives!  We’re waiting on the arrival of the guy in the red velvet coat, in his sleigh powered by Rudolf and friends.   In the meantime — here is an early rundown—of folks who’ve been nice—and some who’ve been naughty…some of them very naughty.

OHIO GOVERNOR DEWINE SHOULD BE HIGH ON SANTA’S “NICE” LIST.  Governor Mike Dewine signed a bill that will expand Ohio’s EdChoice Program that allows students to apply for vouchers for private schools if they are in low-performing schools (the bottom 30%) or low-income districts.  Ohio already ranks #8 nationally in our Parent Power Index (PPI), and this should move it up in the future .

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. In the case of New Hampshire  very nice ones!  Because school innovation and choice advocates achieved a majority in the Legislature last month, that majority will very likely have the state accept a $46 million grant that would double the number of charter schools in New Hampshire. Strong charter supporter Governor Chris Sununu has been a voice in the wilderness   one reason the Granite State receives a mediocre rating of #23 in our PPI. But with the new legislation, the state will use the $46 million  to expand five existing schools, add locations to seven more schools and start 20 new schools to supplement the 31 existing ones  all charters. Ho, ho, ho indeed!

TEACHER UNION GRINCHES. Joe Biden has indicated that he will likely appoint a union leader as Secretary of Education.  Sounds nice, but in reality could be very naughty, and very harmful to America’s kids.

 
THE BIG APPLE GETS IT RIGHT – SORT OF. From Gotham comes word that New York City is reopening schools for special education students and younger grades.  A nice first step – but a baby step.   Someone please bring to Mayor DeBlasio’s attention:

VERY NICE IN FLORIDA. To end on a most happy note, this item from the “Florida Times Union” paper, “New School Looks Like a Classic Success.” It relates the story of Jacksonville Classical Academy, a charter school only a few months old, but as the paper notes, “already has the sweet smell of success…Students smile easily. Teachers are engaging the students…a poster that reflects the school’s values: Courage. Honesty. Perseverance. Self-government. Service. Courtesy, Responsibility.” The school will eventually have 1,000 K-12 students. Not coincidentally, the Sunshine State ranks #2 in our PPI with a score of 88.5%.
 

It’s December — whew! One more month and we can say a not-so-fond adieu to 2020. In the meantime, a change up from our usual musical closing – this one aimed specifically at the younger set — though we think even oldsters like us will enjoy its happy feel.  The December Calendar Song — be safe and remember, 2020 almost gone!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGwIXvG1fjQ



Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education. 
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