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The Blog at MSPC
BLM ruling threatens Wyoming’s K-12 funding model
On May 16th, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a final environmental impact statement on the Powder River Basin, stating that it...
Jul 18, 20244 min read
Where has the education money gone?
One of the most popular charts available today tells a story: huge increases in administrative staffing, small increases in teachers and stu
Jul 16, 20241 min read
Now Available: The Mountain States Policy Manual
The Mountain States Policy Manual is a 200-page guide filled with facts, figures, research and more than 80 recommendations – it is an...
Jul 15, 20245 min read
Ring the bell for school principal authority
Research shows that one of the most effective tools for improving school outcomes is to put the principal in charge of the school. What...
Jul 12, 20242 min read
Big win for families: Montana judge rejects attempt to stop implementation of ESA’s
An attempt by a coalition of teachers unions and public school activists to block implementation of Education Savings Accounts in Montana ha
Jul 11, 20242 min read
Congress could expand education choice options too
Thirty-three states now have some type of school choice law on the books to empower families with limited to middle-class incomes to access
Jun 24, 20243 min read
The 60-second argument for ed choice, delivered by the former U.S. Secretary of State
It only took a minute for former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to make perhaps the best argument for education choice.
Jun 19, 20244 min read
School districts, budget cuts, and expectations of funding
Declining school enrollment and budget constraints require policymakers to fundamentally rethink their approach to education - and that can
Jun 19, 20242 min read
Idaho's 10 largest school districts: What the data shows
This publication highlights Idaho’s 10 largest school districts, the staffing of each, the average salaries of administrators, principals an
Jun 4, 20242 min read
Data shows private schools improve civic education, political tolerance
A well-rounded education is about more than just test scores. Schooling has a critical role to play in nurturing an informed, tolerant and d
May 17, 20242 min read
You can't claim to support education choice while limiting options
On the one hand, policymakers, activists, school leaders and even those running for office say they are in favor of education choice. On the
May 10, 20242 min read
The "Blaine Amendments" are bigoted relics
States cannot fall back on their Blaine Amendments to justify prohibitions on public funding of schools solely due to their religion.
May 6, 20243 min read
States should increase the availability of public charter schools
Studies continue to show that public charter schools are making a positive difference in students' lives.
Apr 29, 20243 min read
MSPC presents the Elevation Award to the legislative champions of education reform
A crowd of nearly 600 packed the Coeur d'Alene Resort Friday night for MSPC's 2024 Spring Dinner, hearing from keynote speaker Kayleigh...
Apr 13, 20242 min read
Idaho's 2024 Legislative Session: Policy success and reforms still needed
There were several exciting reforms advanced, a few disappointing roadblocks hit, and a couple of head-scratching moments.
Apr 3, 20246 min read
29 states now have some form of ESA, education choice tax credit, or education tax scholarship
Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California are now the only states in the West not providing these options for families.
Mar 26, 20242 min read
Startling special ed violations expose urgent need for more ed choice options
It appears Idaho legislators will adjourn their legislative session unable to pass any expansion in education choice options for...
Mar 25, 20242 min read
Idaho legislators introduce MSPC's Public School Transparency Act
Understanding school district budgets could become easier thanks to a bill introduced in the Idaho House Education Committee.
Mar 15, 20242 min read
Families stymied as Idaho committee shuts down ed choice debate
The evidence of success was there. The testimonies were heartbreaking. The parents traveled from across the state. But in the end, it didn’t
Mar 12, 20242 min read
Idaho Farm Bureau sets the record straight on education choice
Many Idaho legislators come from rural communities that are home to many farms. As the debate over education choice has unfolded over the...
Mar 11, 20241 min read
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