Testimony for Nebraska Academic Savings Accounts

On December 4, 2015, the following testimony was given to the Nebraska State Board of Education. 

"You have heard powerful, heartfelt testimony this morning.
I offer a Win-Win solution. We are faced with an opportunity to join together on behalf of all children's education. It is difficult for teachers to be faced with such a wide range of ability in their classrooms.
Children not engaged may cause disruption or be assigned to the safe seat. It all takes away from instruction time. Curriculum changes may add to difficulties for some children in the classroom.

Parents unhappy with curriculum have sought remedy in the courts. Some parents are opposed to the sexualization of children at school. Some parents prefer a back-to-basics reading and math curriculum. Some parents are opposed to gender inclusiveness in bath and locker rooms. 

There really isn't a middle ground with these issues.

They are too far apart.

Providing parents just a portion of the education dollars which would have gone to the school would enable those parents to choose student learning options which best meet the needs of their student. Those parents who seek different curriculum and environment for their student would benefit teachers, classroom and environment they disagree with; by their withdrawal.

Nebraska Academic Savings Accounts would provide the means for parents who seek to opt out of present school practices, to have other options. Nebraska Academic Savings Accounts is an 8-page draft of legislation available to all on the internet. 

I urge you to join those parents; contact your senator and let them know how this will benefit schools and students both.

Thank you,
Deb Andrews