In order to address the failing public education system in the State of Indiana a school voucher movement has been gaining steam in recent years. The movement was billed as a way to allow underprivileged students stuck in underachieving schools the opportunity to attend a private school. The plan has been both hailed and criticized as either the new dawn of education or the beginning of the end of public education in America.
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In 2013 the Indiana General Assembly passed HB 1003, which improving on the school vouchers program that had already been passed in 2011 by creating tax credits for those already enrolled in private school and expanding voucher eligibility. This piece of legislation provided more change to an already nation leading voucher program.
Proponents of Vouchers
Those who support the voucher program point to the exponential growth of the program. In the 2011-12 school year 9,324 students were enrolled in the states voucher program making it one of the largest in the country.
Opponents of Vouchers
While a choice in school may be favored by many, there are those who do not like the idea. Supporters of public schools say the program undermines the foundation of the public school system. They also point to the irony that schools are expected to fix their shortfalls while losing money from the students who depart for private schools.