Another study confirms Georgians want more choice in education

Another study confirms Georgians want more choice in education

As lawmakers prepare to head back to the Capitol in January, Georgians have now received a glimpse of some issues that might move the needle in the 2018 election cycle. A new study released by the Georgia College Department of Government and Sociology finds that parents are increasingly looking toward school choice options as approval for public schools is suffering.

When asked about their level of satisfaction with public education, only 9.9 percent of respondents said they were strongly satisfied with public schools. However, a staggering 30.3 percent of respondents said they were “very dissatisfied” with their kids’ school.

However, parents seem to see a clear alternative. According to the report, 59.8 percent of respondents expressed support for charter schools.

The Georgia State survey is another clear indication that Georgians want more educational options for parents. In January, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution released a poll finding that 61 percent of voters supported school choice legislation. In May of 2016, a whopping 75 percent of GOP primary voters said they believed the state should empower parents through school choice.

Elected officials will be faced with significant legislation in the 2018 session that could enable greater access to quality public education. Bills that would create Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and expand the popular Tax Credit Scholarship program will be up for consideration.

You can view the full report here.

 

Show some love: The Angel Tree program is about more than gifts

Show some love: The Angel Tree program is about more than gifts

The Christmas season is often marked by joy, but for many children with incarcerated parents, the holidays can be a painful reminder of their mom or dad’s absence.

The Georgia Center for Opportunity is committed to building healthy family relationships and enabling inmates to reenter their communities with the greatest chance of success. That’s why the Angel Tree program is a close partner of our organization, and it’s why we’re encouraging you to consider participating this holiday season.

The Angel Tree program offers incarcerated parents an opportunity to provide a Christmas gift and a personal message to their child. Gifts are purchased by generous individuals, and delivered by local volunteers on behalf of the parents as a tangible expression of love.

Many children in Georgia are in need of this caring service. If you or your organization would like to participate, you can register for the program or donate through the Prison Fellowship.