Arizona gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson (R-AZ) is highlighting the state's school choice programs during National School Choice Week (NSCW), praising Arizona's approach to educational freedom.
"Arizona leads the nation on school choice because we trust parents to do what is best for their children," Robson said. "That approach works and is one of Arizona's greatest strengths."
This comes after U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recognized the administration's efforts to expand educational choices for families.
"During National School Choice Week, we celebrate how school choice has changed the lives of millions of students by empowering parents and families to choose a school or program that best meets their child's needs," McMahon said.
The Department of Education has supported these efforts by investing a record $500 million in charter schools, creating the Education Freedom Tax Credit, and giving states more control over their education funding.
Robson, a longtime education advocate, has built her career around supporting students, parents, and teachers. She previously led a national effort requiring high school seniors to pass the U.S. citizenship test before graduation.
What is National School Choice Week?
Celebrating its 16th anniversary this year, NSCW is designed to inform families about the variety of educational pathways available to their children.
The campaign promotes awareness of all schooling types, including traditional public institutions, charter schools, magnet programs, private education, virtual classrooms, homeschooling, and non-traditional learning settings, as shown on their website.
Over the past 15 years, more than 235,000 community events have been organized nationwide by educational institutions, community groups, and family advocates to support the initiative.
The week-long observance is managed by two nonprofit organizations, the National School Choice Awareness Foundation and the National School Choice Resource Center, which provide resources and guidance to help families explore and select appropriate educational environments for their children.
NSCW concludes on January 31, and Arizona families will be watching to see how state leaders continue to build on the educational choice initiatives that Robson and other advocates say have made the state a national leader.
