0
A bill to expand opportunity through greater choice in education, and for other purposes.
2/7/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 487
One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which would allow families to use public funds to pay for a variety of educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, and educational materials. This would give parents more control over their children's education and provide them with the flexibility to choose the best educational options for their individual needs.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to promote charter school expansion and increase funding for charter schools. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional public school system, and they often offer innovative educational approaches and specialized programs. Overall, the "Expand Opportunity through Greater Choice in Education Act" aims to empower students and families by providing them with more options and opportunities in education. By promoting school choice and innovation, the bill seeks to improve educational outcomes and ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education.
Congressional Summary of S 487
Creating Hope and Opportunity for Individuals and Communities through Education Act or the CHOICE Act
This bill expands school choice programs for elementary and secondary school students.
The bill specifies that a student in the District of Columbia must, in order to qualify for an opportunity scholarship, be currently enrolled, or be enrolled for the next school year, in a public or private elementary or secondary school.
The bill also authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to support the design and implementation of state programs that allow the parent of a child with a disability to choose the appropriate public or private school for their child. It also outlines the requirements for program eligibility.
Further, if the state has established a program that allows parents to use public or private funds to assist with the cost of their child attending a private school, then the state may supplement those funds with federal special education funds.
Additionally, the Department of Defense must carry out a five-year pilot program to award scholarships to enable military dependent students who live on military installations to attend the public or private elementary or secondary schools their parents choose.
The bill also requires ED to return to the Treasury specified amounts made available for salaries and expenses.
