by Daniel Erspamer, CEO, Pelican Institute

Today, we begin our celebration of National School Choice Week! It feels like a lifetime ago since everyone gathered in person and virtually for the 2020 festivities. This last year has presented so many unique challenges for students and parents across Louisiana and the nation.

These struggles only reinforce the fact that Louisiana must take major steps toward empowering families with options to pursue an educational opportunity that works for them. That’s why the Pelican Institute released the comprehensive policy roadmap to expand school choice programs in Louisiana last fall.

From expanding virtual charters to implementing education savings accounts to encouraging the institution of micro/pod schools, there are many solutions on the table to empower Louisiana families to find schools that fit their needs.

Before COVID-19, it was already clear that not every school in Louisiana worked for every child. The school choice roadmap tackles these challenges head-on while also seeking to transform the state’s education system for future students and parents.

The Pelican team is excited to get to work on bringing these solutions to the forefront of the education discussion around our state, and we hope all Louisianans join us in pushing for these critical changes for Louisiana’s families. Follow the Pelican Institute’s School Choice Week activities throughout the week on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as the organization dives into the solutions and host discussions with state and national education officials and policy experts.

Help spread the word by sharing the school choice policy roadmap with friends, family, and neighbors today. Watch and share the Pelican Institute’s case for giving Louisiana kids schools that fit by clicking the video below. And follow our friends at National School Choice Week on social media and their website for more ways to get involved in the festivities.

Together, we can ensure Louisiana kids have schools that truly best fit their needs. Happy School Choice Week!