Many North Carolina families consider access to quality education a civil right. They're advocating for families to have a greater say in where their child attends school - and advocating for increased eligibility for tax credits.
More than 20,000 students in our state are educated by non-public schools, according to Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina's 2010 statistics. The group says this is about a 5-7 percent increase from 2009.
Darrell Allison is president of the group. He says these alternative schools help families that often fall through social cracks.
"It's for the families who have financial challenges, struggling to meet end-of-year grade tests scores in traditional schools. Yes, that may be one less child in the traditional school - but that's a child in a school that's going to work for them, where that child will get a high school diploma and go on to be a productive citizen."
This is National School Choice Week, and Allison and PEFNC are hosting events.
Wednesday, civil rights activist and nationally noted educator Dr. Howard Fuller and other experts will tour Quality Education Academy in Winston-Salem. It's been recognized as an Honor School of Excellence.
Last night, Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina hosted "A Celebration of North Carolina's Education Initiatives". It was held at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro.
According to Allison, education reform is the civil rights issue of the 21st Century. "If I live in a home that's half a million dollars or more, then the schools I am zoned to will probably work for me. And if not, I will write a $10-$12,000 check and send my child to a private school. Or maybe there's a homeschool route. Flip side of that is the poor, working class - they don't have a $10-$12,000 check to send their child to a private school. And they can't afford to homeschool. So we see this as a civil rights issue because of its unintended consequences. If you're wealthy in North Carolina you have options; if you're, not you don't."
Last June, the North Carolina General Assembly lifted the cap on public charter schools. In July, members passed a measure allowing the families of children with special needs a tax credit so their child can attend a private school that better meets their needs.
