https://youtu.be/X0l2sHLQZuU
The school choice movement has been riding high in recent years, mostly because parents are demanding better education options for their children.

In this interview from Defending Ideas, Shaka Mitchell from the American Federation for Children and Sutherland Institute's Christine Cook Fairbanks discuss school choice's deep roots in American history, why one system cannot meet the needs of millions of different students, and why scholarships and vouchers are facing political and legal pushback.

The conversation also examines state constitutional requirements for public schools, and why funding a traditional public school system should not prevent states from creating additional opportunities for families.

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With roughly 55 million children in the United States, it is unrealistic to expect one education system to meet every student’s needs. Shaka Mitchell of the American Federation for Children explains that education should be flexible enough to serve children as individuals, rather than forcing every child into the same model.

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No two children learn exactly the same way. So why should families be expected to rely on a one-size-fits-all education system?

In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn speaks with Shaka Mitchell of the American Federation for Children (@SchoolChoiceWorks) and Sutherland Institute education policy fellow Christine Cook Fairbanks about the growing movement for education choice.

They discuss how parents have driven recent reforms, the legal and political challenges facing education choice programs, the new federal education freedom tax credit, and how policymakers can build an education system that serves children rather than forcing every kid into the same model.

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For decades, students were told there was one path to success: graduate high school and attend a four-year college. That assumption is now being challenged.

In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn and Donald Bryson examine how education choice is changing the landscape of opportunity. They discuss the rise of school choice programs, the growing interest in trade and technical careers, and why a more flexible education system may better serve students, families, and the economy.

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Colorado is a leading state for open enrollment, with 29% of public school students utilizing the program, says Jude Schwalbach of Reason Foundation.

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When did open enrollment policy originate and where is it now? Jude Schwalbach of Reason Foundation explains.

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Jude Schwalbach of Reason Foundation breaks down how open enrollment works and why families may choose it for their students.

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From Ep. 136: https://youtu.be/nzyaIo4oyss

What should Utah lawmakers do next to improve open enrollment? In this segment, we break down HB 528, the push for statewide reporting, and why better data could transform how families and policymakers understand school choice. From compliance to transparency to appeals reform, this conversation outlines the practical steps that could move Utah from strong policy to true excellence.

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From Ep. 136: https://youtu.be/nzyaIo4oyss

Open enrollment policies exist in most states — but are families given the information they need to use them? This segment explores how transparency, compliance, and best practices can strengthen public school choice. We discuss Utah’s new certification effort and how clearer data, better website design, and stronger communication can unlock real opportunity for students.

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https://youtu.be/X0l2sHLQZuU
The school choice movement has been riding high in recent years, mostly because parents are demanding better education options for their children.

In this interview from Defending Ideas, Shaka Mitchell from the American Federation for Children and Sutherland Institute's Christine Cook Fairbanks discuss school choice's deep roots in American history, why one system cannot meet the needs of millions of different students, and why scholarships and vouchers are facing political and legal pushback.

The conversation also examines state constitutional requirements for public schools, and why funding a traditional public school system should not prevent states from creating additional opportunities for families.

3 0

With roughly 55 million children in the United States, it is unrealistic to expect one education system to meet every student’s needs. Shaka Mitchell of the American Federation for Children explains that education should be flexible enough to serve children as individuals, rather than forcing every child into the same model.

7 1

No two children learn exactly the same way. So why should families be expected to rely on a one-size-fits-all education system?

In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn speaks with Shaka Mitchell of the American Federation for Children (@SchoolChoiceWorks) and Sutherland Institute education policy fellow Christine Cook Fairbanks about the growing movement for education choice.

They discuss how parents have driven recent reforms, the legal and political challenges facing education choice programs, the new federal education freedom tax credit, and how policymakers can build an education system that serves children rather than forcing every kid into the same model.

4 0