In a recent interview, President Obama said, "I will not allow my predispositions to stand in the way of making sure that our kids can learn. We're losing several generations of kids, and something has to be done."
Education analysts said Mr. Obama's statement is the closest they have ever seen a Democratic presidential candidate come to embracing the idea of vouchers. Vouchers are taxpayer-funded scholarships that allow families to opt out of public school and use their government-allotted education dollars to attend a private school instead. They are despised by teachers unions, powerful players in Democratic politics. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
I hope and pray that he does resist the pressure from the teachers' unions and truly puts children before politics. Vouchers work. In the Archdiocese of Denver we have engaged in a four-year philanthropically funded voucher program. There are currently 250 students being served in this program, ranging from grades 1 to 12. All families meet the federal poverty guidelines and all come from public schools.
These voucher students, previously unsuccessful in school, have been very successful in ways that I will be sharing in the next few postings, beginning with parent satisfaction. Each year parents must re-apply for the voucher annually and the students must meet various performance and behavior benchmarks in order to continue receiving a voucher. Below is a sample of the comments made by families on their renewal application.
My family has been able to send Amanda to a school that will help her succeed in life, to develop her sense of community, we feel so happy to be a part of this program.
My family has benefited from the Catholic School Voucher a whole lot. It has given a great change in our history and has brought us together with Christ, which is the most important that matters.
Joni has grown so much while in Catholic Schools. She has become so knowledgeable in her religion classes throughout the years. She is an "A" student and she is in 4 honor classes. Next year she will be in one AP course and she's only a sophomore.
We thank you for my daughter's Voucher because without your help she wouldn't be able to attend this school which is such a good school and has good discipline. They take good care of all the students. Thank you and God bless.
I cannot begin to express the gratitude that I have in my heart for this program in all that you do for our family and countless others. if there is anything I can do to try and repay this great debt that I owe, please call on me.
Thanks to the voucher program my daughter can have an education with solid principles and a secure environment.
I feel my grand kids are very fortunate to come to Catholic school. They teach them discipline, how to be loving to others and not to mention I feel my grand kids have learned so much more than other kids I know who are not as fortunate to come to Catholic school
