A loud but vocal minority in our state has decided that House Bill 331 – the Hope Scholarship Program – poses an existential threat to Utah’s public education.
They argue we should invest solely in public education, rather than creating any new opportunities for families. But by investing solely in the current system, we ignore too many kids and families who are being left behind.
In Utah, only 21% of Latino and 25% of low-income 8th graders can read at grade level.
When you are defending a status quo that works better for the wealthy and white, but not low income or minority, you are doing so from a place of privilege.
Our one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working for all. Even worse, we’re not even headed in the right direction. These numbers haven’t changed in 20 years.
There are many excellent public schools in Utah. They should be celebrated. We should cheer for and support our teachers who are making a difference in the lives of students.
But let’s not pretend that our system is working for all kids. If it were, we wouldn’t need Hope Scholarships, and no one would want them.
Hope Scholarships would allow families to create a personalized education for their child. Funds could be used for online learning, homeschool expenses, tutoring, educational therapies or tuition. 77% of parents and 69% of voters support the proposal.
Ten states have programs like this. Their parent satisfaction rates are high, and they have not negatively impacted public schools. States that have embraced educational choice programs are seeing greater academic outcomes.
Hope Scholarships would use less than 1% of our K-12 education dollars to help families who need an education that is a better fit for their child.
Vast data from programs across the country show school choice programs lead to more money per student in the public school system. If you’re a public-school parent, it’s likely your child’s school will receive more money toward their education, not less.
Contrary to common belief, more education funding does not necessarily lead to better academic outcomes. Neither does reducing class sizes.
But as important as the financial arguments are, the moral ones are even more compelling.
As a mother, I find it immoral to suggest that if my child is being bullied and needs a new school, I can only access one if I am independently wealthy.
As a human, I find it immoral that white children in Utah are far more likely to succeed in our schools than those of color.
As a Utahn, I find it immoral that if a kid is enthusiastic about music or a sport and wants to attend a school that cultivates their talent, my government says, “Too bad, unless you can afford it on your own.”
As an American, I find it immoral that to suggest that families shouldn’t have options.
House Bill 331 is not an attack on public education. It is an attempt to provide hope and opportunity to kids who currently have none. It will not dismantle our $4 billion public education system, but it will make a huge difference for students who need help getting the education that’s right for them.
I am a product of public schools and still believe they achieve good things, but public education alone isn’t the answer.
There are kids who have been left behind and it’s time we give them the education they deserve. The education each of us hopes our child will receive.
Katherine Bathgate is a mother of three from Summit County and is an education policy advisor to several state and national nonprofits.