Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expressed his support for school choice and an expansion of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) at a recent rally at Annapolis Christian Academy. The governor claims ESAs have worked in other states and supported ongoing efforts in the Texas legislature to allow an ESA program for everyone in Texas.
ESAs are Education Savings Accounts where the government allots a certain amount for parents to use for a private school, homeschooling, online learning or approved learning circumstances, according to Edchoice.org. In some cases, the ESA will allow for part-time public school courses and private school courses, such as a trade school or apprenticeship. Eight states currently have ESA programs. These states include Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.
In a video clip on Twitter, Abbott insisted that all children should have the choice of better education.
"Now is the time to expand education savings accounts (ESAs) to every child in the state of Texas. That will give all parents the ability to choose the best education option for their child," he said.
The governor has supported youth education for years, working alongside the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES).
In 2020, Abbott established a limited ESA program for students with cognitive disabilities. The program allowed up to $1,500 per student.
TEA launched the SSES program, which provides funding for families to purchase supplemental support for their children with low-incidence disabilities in public school, according to a press release from the governor's office.
The services include tutoring, therapy and digital resources. Nearly 59,000 students statewide are eligible to benefit, with priority given to families with financial needs. The SSES program is a response to the education disruptions caused by COVID-19 and provides additional resources to support students with disabilities. Since then, Abbott has said he supports a larger more expansive ESA program that would benefit all Texas families.
In addition, legislatures have filed numerous bills to improve student learning opportunities.
Texas is currently discussing school choice legislation, according to Darrell Frost at the Texas Scorecard. These discussions focus on "funds follow students." Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have shown support for the cause. Several bills have been filed including tax-credit scholarships, tax-credit education savings accounts and individual tax-credit reimbursement programs.
Texas's current public school system provides inadequate opportunities for students, with declining proficiency in reading and mathematics and high dropout rates. Some public schools push divisive ideologies, which have led to a demand for alternative educational options. ESA, established in Arizona in 2011, allows families to save toward their children's education expenses, including private school tuition.