National School Choice Week is being celebrated across the country, and many of Alabama’s political leaders are using it as an opportunity to call for educational reforms in the Yellowhammer State.
While there already are some options for parents in Alabama, many believe it’s time to expand them and make them available to more students and parents across the state.
Gov. Kay Ivey said she’s making it a priority this year to push for more school choice options in Alabama.
In my inaugural address, I said we need to have meaningful discussions about school choice in Alabama and that we should begin by making needed reforms to our charter school option.
Improving school choice is a priority of mine, and we are proud to celebrate School Choice Week!
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) January 23, 2023
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) also took to Twitter, calling on leaders to “recommit” to the issue. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth shared Britt’s statement and added “Agree. Thanks for your leadership.”
Agree. Thanks for your leadership @SenKatieBritt https://t.co/Y7LeP6PAWZ
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) January 23, 2023
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to introduce a resolution designating Jan. 22-28 as National School Choice Week. Britt signed on as a sponsor to the resolution. U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) introduced the companion resolution in the House of Representatives.
“Nothing rivals the opportunity and freedom that come with a quality education. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for ensuring our students aren’t subject to educational disadvantages because of their background or location,” Tuberville said. “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.”
On Monday, Tuberville reposted a video of him speaking on the floor of the Senate about this issue last year.
“School choice increase options through vouchers or tax credit scholarships,” Tuberville said. “Allowing parents to select the best learning environment for their child.”
This week, I’m proud to celebrate National #SchoolChoiceWeek. School choice allows parents to give their kids the best chance to succeed in school and beyond. pic.twitter.com/GPLJ5bBBmM
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) January 23, 2023
In the lower chamber, U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said, “It is important that every child across the nation has access to a quality education, regardless of where they live. Every child deserves an opportunity to live out the American Dream!”
It's National School Choice Week! It is important that every child across the nation has access to a quality education, regardless of where they live. Every child deserves an opportunity to live out the American Dream! #SchoolChoiceWeek
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) January 23, 2023
National School Choice week has been recognized annually since 2011 and aims to promote all forms of school choice.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
