A bipartisan, bicameral resolution led by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) would designate Jan. 22-28 as National School Choice Week.
“From the rural poor to the inner cities, test scores are down even lower than they were pre-COVID,” said Sen. Scott, co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus. “However, when parents have the choice to send their child to a school that best fits their needs, their kids have a chance.”
Sen. Scott on Jan. 23 sponsored Senate Resolution (S.Res.) 11, with 22 original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
Rep. Moolenaar on Jan. 20 sponsored his chamber’s version, H.Res. 51, with 23 Republican original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH).
“American students have fallen behind, with math and reading scores declining to the lowest levels in decades. Parents are frustrated and they deserve to have the best available options for their kids,” Rep. Moolenaar said. “They are looking for schools with the resources and curriculum that allow their children to reach their fullest potential.
“As co-chair of the School Choice Caucus, I am proud to stand with them in supporting parents’ rights and school choice for students,” said the congressman.
If enacted, the resolution also would congratulate students, parents, teachers, and school leaders from kindergarten through grade 12 education environments of all varieties “for their persistence, achievements, dedication, and contributions to society in the United States,” according to the text.
During National School Choice Week, the resolution also would encourage all parents to learn more about the education options available to them, and that Americans hold appropriate programs, events, and activities to raise public awareness of the benefits of opportunity in education, the text says.
“A good education is the closest thing to magic in America. It creates viable options for all families regardless of socio-economic status,” Sen. Scott said. “By equipping and empowering families with the ability to choose educational opportunities best suited for their children — public charter schools, parochial schools, homeschooling and more — we are prioritizing the success of students and our nation.”