Washington DC’s public schools are some of the worst in America despite having the third highest per pupil spending levels, $14,400 per pupil, in the Union. A small, experimental voucher programme has been running since 2004 which gives around 1,800 pupils from low-income families up to $7,500 a year to go to private schools.
The pupils on the scholarship scheme out perform their peers and there are four applications for every place. But Senate Democrats, out of fealty to the teaching unions—the enemies of meaningful education reform in America, have voted down funding for the programme.
President Obama has talked a good game on education reform. But now he needs go to bat for some of the poorest children in his new home town if his words are not to appear to be just words.
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