WASHINGTON— President Trump today signed an executive order that would significantly expand school choice within areas under federal jurisdiction—namely military bases and tribal lands.
Lindsey Burke, director of The Heritage Foundation’s Center for Education Policy, praised President Trump for fulfilling his promise to put families back in control of their children’s education:
"Thanks to President Trump, our service members no longer have to choose between serving our country and their children’s education. Military-connected children are too often assigned to the public schools closest to military bases, regardless of whether those district schools are right for them. Education choice will give military families the flexibility they need for their way of life and ensure that federal education spending serves military families as well as they serve us."
Jonathan Butcher, Heritage senior research fellow in education policy, noted:
“Given the challenges to recruiting and the value service members place on education for their families, offering members of the military more choices in education is nothing short of a national security issue.
“It is within Washington’s authority to offer these options to members of the military. Reading and math scores have plummeted, as evidenced by the latest release of the Nation’s Report Card. If we want to recruit and retain service members, providing choices in education is an essential benefit for these families.”
Heritage research fellow Jason Bedrick added:
“President Trump’s executive order also strengthens our national security. A Military Times survey found that one-third of respondents reported that dissatisfaction with their children’s education was a significant factor in their decision to leave military service. Ensuring that members of our military have access to a wide variety of education options for their children will help boost retention and keep our nation secure.”
BACKGROUND: In 2017, Heritage called for the federal government to increase school choice for military families as a way to bolster military recruitment and improve education opportunities for military-connected children. The following year, Heritage released a comprehensive report detailing how education savings accounts could accomplish that goal.
As the nation’s largest, most broadly supported conservative research and educational institution, The Heritage Foundation has led the American conservative movement since our founding in 1973. The Heritage Foundation reaches more than 10 million members, advocates, and concerned Americans every day with information on critical issues facing America.
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