Expanding Educational Opportunity Through School Choice

Jan 4, 2021

Summary

Lets families in need use government money for private school, homeschooling, or tutoring when their public schools are closed for in-person learning.

What problem does this solve?

School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic harmed children, especially those from low-income families or with special needs who could not afford other options. This order allows certain government funds to be used for scholarships, giving these families money for private school, homeschooling, or tutoring.

What does this order do?

Creates emergency learning scholarships

Allows funds from the Community Services Block Grant program to be used for scholarships for disadvantaged families whose children lack in-person schooling.

Funds private and parochial school tuition

Scholarships can be used to pay for tuition and fees at private or religious schools.

Supports alternative learning models

Allows scholarship money to pay for costs associated with homeschooling, microschools, or learning pods.

Provides for special education and tutoring

Scholarships can cover costs for special education, related therapies, tutoring, or other remedial education.

Who does this affect?

Disadvantaged families
Children with special needs
Low-income and minority students

What is the real world impact?

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Promotes private education using public funds

Critics argue this order redirects money from public programs to fund private and religious schools, which could weaken the public education system over time.

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Provides relief for families during school closures

Offers immediate financial help to disadvantaged families whose children are struggling with virtual learning, allowing them to access in-person options like private schools or tutoring.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately upon being signed on December 28, 2020.