Katie is a Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action. In this role, she works with leaders and policymakers from the western states to promote student-centered solutions focused on educational quality, innovation and opportunity.
Last year, Governor Brad Little provided grants directly to parents through his Strong Families, Strong Students initiative, with an investment of $50 million in CARES Act funding. This program is allowing Idaho families to better customize their child’s education and meet the challenges and disruptions caused by the pandemic. It provides $1,500 per child ($3,500 maximum per family) toward purchasing educational materials, devices, tutoring and services.
The program received overwhelming interest, with more than 80,000 students applying – 29,000 in the first 24 hours.
Now, Idaho lawmakers can make this successful, in-demand program permanent.
The Strong Students legislation, sponsored by the House Education Committee, would make the Strong Families, Strong Students grant permanent, allowing Idaho families to continue to personalize their child’s education through digital tools, learning support and supplemental resources. The bill passed out of committee this week.
It would also establish a scholarship program that would provide approximately 800 K-12 students who have previously attended public schools but need different options with up to $6,713 in the 2021-22 school year and each year after. Priority would be given to families earning less than $50,000 per year. Scholarships would be equal to 90 percent of the state per-pupil funding.
At the House Education Committee hearing this week, parents from across the state testified in support of the bill.
A mother of two from Meridian shared her family’s experience with the Strong Families, Strong Students grant and how a permanent program would continue to help them:
“We had a great experience in the public school, but because of COVID we made the decision to do school at home this year. With our Strong Families, Strong Students grant, we were able to purchase a curriculum that meets our daughters right where they are academically, and provides an engaging curriculum that closes learning gaps and promotes advanced learning. What if more Idaho families had the financial means to find a curriculum that fits them, rather than one they are given to fit into?
“While the money we’ve received for education has been helpful, there are some things we’ve missed. We would love to form a learning pod and have a teacher teach a small group of students. That’s not covered in our funds right now, but if this bill was passed, thankfully that would give us money and the opportunity to pursue that option for our family.
“Empowering even more Idaho families with funds to pursue an education that engages and inspires them is one of the greatest ways we can prepare them for the future.”
With these funds permanently available, education for Idaho’s students would be fully customizable, with parents deciding where the best values are and the ability to direct resources in the most meaningful way for their child. For example, a child could attend private school and receive speech therapy as well. Another child could learn math and science online, English and history at home, and see a tutor twice a week. With an education scholarship, low- and middle-income parents will have the ability to stem pandemic-related learning losses by accessing private schools, in-home learning supports and supplemental services.
With an education scholarship, low- and middle-income parents will have the ability to stem pandemic-related learning losses by accessing private schools, in-home learning supports and supplemental services.
ExcelinEd in Action applauds the House Education Committee for empowering Idaho families with educational opportunities by supporting the Strong Students bill.
