CALIFORNIA GETS NEW MATH STANDARDS, BUT DO THEY ADD UP

CALIFORNIA GETS NEW MATH STANDARDS, BUT DO THEY ADD UP

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, California has rolled out new state math guidelines that aim to put meaning-making at the center of the math classroom. The guidelines promote a focus on problem-solving and applying math knowledge to real-world situations, but critics are asking: do they add up?

The new guidelines, which were approved by the California State Board of Education in July 2023, emphasize equity and inclusion, calling for all students to have access to rigorous and high-quality math instruction, regardless of their background or zip code. But some are concerned that this focus on social justice in math lessons could hold back more advanced high school students.

"Are we really going to teach calculus through the lens of environmental justice?" asked one concerned parent. "I mean, I'm all for saving the planet, but I don't want my kid to flunk out of college because they didn't learn the basics."

Despite these concerns, proponents of the new guidelines argue that they reflect a growing understanding of how students learn math and the importance of equity and inclusion in math education. They also believe that the guidelines will lead to more rigorous and engaging math instruction for all students.

"The old way of teaching math just wasn't working for everyone," said Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the California State Board of Education. "We need to be more creative and flexible in our approach if we want to help all students succeed."

So what exactly are these new California math guidelines? Here are some of the key features:

• - Focus on problem-solving: Students are encouraged to use their math knowledge to solve real-world problems, such as figuring out how much paint they need to cover a wall or how much money they need to save for a car.
• - Emphasis on equity and inclusion: The guidelines call for all students to have access to rigorous and high-quality math instruction, regardless of their background or zip code. This includes providing support for students who are struggling and ensuring that all students have access to the same resources.
• - Shift to conceptual understanding: The guidelines shift away from a focus on memorizing math facts and procedures and towards a focus on conceptual understanding. Students are encouraged to understand the why behind the math, not just the how.
• - Use of technology: The guidelines encourage the use of technology in math instruction. Technology can be used to help students solve problems, visualize concepts, and collaborate with others.

While these new guidelines may sound good in theory, there are some challenges that may be faced in implementing them. For example:

• - Teacher training: Teachers will need to be trained on the new guidelines and how to implement them in their classrooms. This could be a challenge, as there is a shortage of math teachers in California.
• - Parental buy-in: Some parents may be resistant to the new guidelines, as they may be unfamiliar with the focus on problem-solving and conceptual understanding. It will be important to communicate the benefits of the new guidelines to parents and to get their support.
• - Cost: The new guidelines may require additional resources, such as funding for professional development and technology. It will be important to ensure that all schools have the resources they need to implement the new guidelines.

Despite these challenges, it's clear that the new California math guidelines are a step in the right direction. They reflect a growing understanding of how students learn math and the importance of equity and inclusion in math education. And who knows? Maybe we'll finally figure out how much paint we need to cover that stubbornly uneven wall.

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Yes, California is rolling out new state math guidelines. The new guidelines, which were approved by the California State Board of Education in July 2023, aim to put meaning-making at the center of the math classroom, promoting a focus on problem-solving and applying math knowledge to real-world situations.

The new guidelines also emphasize equity and inclusion, calling for all students to have access to rigorous and high-quality math instruction, regardless of their background or zip code.

Here are some of the key features of the new California math guidelines:

• * **Focus on problem-solving:** The new guidelines emphasize the importance of problem-solving in math education. Students are encouraged to use their math knowledge to solve real-world problems, such as figuring out how much paint they need to cover a wall or how much money they need to save for a car.
• * **Emphasis on equity and inclusion:** The new guidelines call for all students to have access to rigorous and high-quality math instruction, regardless of their background or zip code. This includes providing support for students who are struggling and ensuring that all students have access to the same resources.
• * **Shift to conceptual understanding:** The new guidelines shift away from a focus on memorizing math facts and procedures and towards a focus on conceptual understanding. Students are encouraged to understand the why behind the math, not just the how.
• * **Use of technology:** The new guidelines encourage the use of technology in math instruction. Technology can be used to help students solve problems, visualize concepts, and collaborate with others.

The new California math guidelines are a significant departure from the previous guidelines. They reflect a growing understanding of how students learn math and the importance of equity and inclusion in math education.

The rollout of the new guidelines is still in its early stages. However, it is expected to have a significant impact on math education in California. The new guidelines are likely to lead to more rigorous and engaging math instruction for all students.

Here are some of the challenges that may be faced in implementing the new California math guidelines:

• * **Teacher training:** Teachers will need to be trained on the new guidelines and how to implement them in their classrooms. This could be a challenge, as there is a shortage of math teachers in California.
• * **Parental buy-in:** Some parents may be resistant to the new guidelines, as they may be unfamiliar with the focus on problem-solving and conceptual understanding. It will be important to communicate the benefits of the new guidelines to parents and to get their support.
• * **Cost:** The new guidelines may require additional resources, such as funding for professional development and technology. It will be important to ensure that all schools have the resources they need to implement the new guidelines.

Despite these challenges, the new California math guidelines are a step in the right direction. They have the potential to improve math education for all students in California.

FROM BING AI

Sure, I'll do a deep dive on the new state math guidelines in California. Here are some key points that I found from my web search:

• - The new math framework was approved by the California State Board of Education on July 12, 2023, after four years of work and multiple revisions based on public feedback¹⁶.
• - The new math framework aims to align classroom teaching with the California Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, which are rigorous learning standards that detail what every student should know and be able to do at every grade level¹⁶.
• - The new math framework emphasizes equity and excellence in math learning for all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, disability, language, or socioeconomic status¹⁶⁷⁸.
• - The new math framework provides strategies to challenge, engage, and support all students in deep and relevant math learning by building on successful approaches used in nations that produce high and equitable achievement in math¹⁶.
• - The new math framework also draws on the experiences of educators who have worked for a decade to develop successful strategies for teaching California’s rigorous standards, carrying those lessons to others across the state¹⁶.
• - The new math framework offers guidance on how to integrate social justice principles into math lessons, such as exploring how data can be used to address issues of racism, sexism, environmental justice, and human rights²³⁵.
• - The new math framework does not mandate or prohibit any specific math courses or sequences, such as offering algebra in eighth grade or calculus in high school. It leaves those decisions to local districts and schools, based on the needs and interests of their students²⁶.
• - The new math framework encourages teachers to use multiple methods of instruction and assessment, such as inquiry-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and performance tasks²⁶.
• - The new math framework also includes a new chapter on mathematical foundations for data science, which is an emerging field that combines mathematics, statistics, computer science, and domain knowledge to analyze and interpret data²⁵⁶.

I hope this summary helps you understand the main features and goals of the new math framework in California. If you want to learn more, you can check out the full document here: [Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve](https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ma/cf/). 

Bing, 8/20/2023

• (1) California Approves Revised Math Framework - Year 2023 (CA Dept of .... https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr23/yr23rel54.asp.
• (2) Mathematics Framework - Mathematics (CA Dept of Education). https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ma/cf/.
• (3) California Board of Education approves new math framework. https://www.dailycal.org/2023/07/20/california-board-of-education-approves-new-math-framework.
• (4) CA Math Curriculum encourages ‘Social Justice’ and ‘equity’. https://www.oann.com/newsroom/ca-math-curriculum-encourages-social-justice-and-equity/.
• (5) California revises new math framework to keep backlash at bay. https://edsource.org/2022/california-revises-new-math-framework-to-keep-backlash-at-bay/669010.
• (6) New California Guidelines Remove Math's Racist Stigma and Focus on .... https://www.shockya.com/news/2023/07/15/new-california-guidelines-remove-maths-racist-stigma-and-focus-on-equity-says-state-board-of-education/.
• (7) California Rolls Out Hotly-Debated Math Guidelines | KQED. https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101894089/california-rolls-out-hotly-debated-math-guidelines.
• (8) 'Teaching Toward Social Justice': California's New Math Framework Aims .... https://freebeacon.com/campus/teaching-toward-social-justice-californias-new-math-framework-aims-to-create-equitable-outcomes-between-students/.

CHATGPT FUN WHILE IT LASTED BUT IS THE PARTY OVER

 

CHATGPT FUN WHILE IT LASTED BUT IS THE PARTY OVER

Let's face it, we've all been swept up in the hype of AI and its potential to revolutionize the world as we know it. But as the dust settles and the novelty wears off, is it time to start mourning the death of the AI boom? Or is it just taking a much-needed nap?

First, let's take a look at the evidence. Reports suggest that generative AI and its chatbots are losing steam as consumers grow tired of their inaccuracies, privacy concerns, and biased outputs. Microsoft's Bing search engine hasn't made a dent in Google's market share, and OpenAI's ChatGPT is losing users faster than a sinking ship. And let's not forget the countless reports of fake news and propaganda generated by these models, which have left many questioning their value beyond being a party trick.

But before we start digging graves, let's remember that AI is still in its infancy. It's like a baby taking its first steps - sure, it might stumble and fall a few times, but that doesn't mean it won't eventually learn to walk (or even run!).

And let's not forget the potential of AI to bring some much-needed humor into our lives. Imagine a chatbot that can tell jokes so funny you'll be laughing for days. Or an AI-generated sitcom that's so hilarious it puts Friends to shame. The possibilities are endless!

Of course, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed before we can fully embrace the AI revolution. Accuracy, privacy, bias, and safety concerns are all valid issues that need to be taken seriously. But with innovation and regulation, these challenges can be overcome.

So, is the AI boom over? Not by a long shot. It might be taking a nap, but it's far from dead. And who knows what kind of amazing things it will accomplish when it wakes up fully refreshed and ready to go.

In the meantime, let's enjoy the funny side of AI. After all, laughter is the best medicine - even for chatbots.

Is the ChatGPT and Bing AI boom already over? - Vox https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/8/19/23837705/openai-chatgpt-microsoft-bing-google-generating-less-interest 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Whether the AI boom is already over is a matter of debate. Some experts believe that the hype around generative AI and its chatbots is fading as consumers lose interest and concerns around accuracy, privacy, and bias continue to grow. Others believe that the AI boom is still in its early stages and that we are only beginning to see the potential of this technology.

There is no doubt that there has been a lot of excitement about generative AI in recent years. This excitement was fueled by the development of new and powerful AI models, such as DALL-E 2 and Imagen, which can generate realistic images and text from text prompts. However, this excitement has also been accompanied by concerns about the accuracy, privacy, and bias of these models.

For example, some people have raised concerns that generative AI models can be used to create fake news and propaganda. Others have expressed concerns about the privacy implications of these models, as they can be used to track people's online activity and generate personalized content. And still others have raised concerns about the bias of these models, as they can be trained on data that is biased, resulting in models that produce biased results.

These concerns have led to some people losing interest in generative AI. However, it is important to remember that this technology is still in its early stages. As the technology continues to develop, these concerns may be addressed. And as people become more familiar with this technology, they may become more comfortable using it.

Ultimately, whether the AI boom is already over is a matter of opinion. However, it is clear that the hype around generative AI and its chatbots has faded somewhat. And it is also clear that there are some significant challenges that need to be addressed before this technology can be widely adopted.

Here are some of the key challenges that need to be addressed before generative AI can be widely adopted:

• * Accuracy: Generative AI models are still not as accurate as human-generated content. This can lead to problems such as fake news and propaganda.
• * Privacy: Generative AI models can be used to track people's online activity and generate personalized content. This raises privacy concerns.
• * Bias: Generative AI models can be trained on data that is biased, resulting in models that produce biased results. This can perpetuate discrimination.
• * Safety: Generative AI models can be used to create harmful content, such as images of violence or hate speech. This raises safety concerns.

These challenges are significant, but they are not insurmountable. As the technology continues to develop, these challenges may be addressed. And as people become more familiar with this technology, they may become more comfortable using it.

The AI boom is still in its early stages, and it is too early to say whether it is over. However, the challenges that need to be addressed before generative AI can be widely adopted are significant. It is important to be aware of these challenges and to work towards addressing them.

FROM BARD AI

The AI boom is a term that refers to the rapid and unprecedented development in the field of artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, which is a type of AI system capable of creating text, images, or other media in response to prompts. Generative AI has been hailed as a revolutionary technology that can transform various industries and domains, such as art, music, journalism, e-commerce, education, and more. However, it also faces several challenges and limitations, such as the quality and accuracy of the generated outputs, the potential for bias and discrimination, the ethical and legal implications, and the privacy and security risks. ⁴⁵⁶

Some experts and reports suggest that the hype around generative AI and its chatbots may be fading as consumers lose interest and concerns around accuracy, privacy, and bias continue to grow. For example, a recent article by Vox Technology claims that the new AI-powered Bing search engine has not made a dent in Google's market share, ChatGPT is losing users for the first time, and the bots are still prone to basic errors that make them impossible to trust. ¹ Similarly, a Wikipedia article on the AI boom cites several sources that indicate a decline in public enthusiasm and trust for generative AI products. ² Additionally, a forum post on The Coli argues that the AI boom is screwing over Gen Z by commandeering the mundane tasks that young employees have relied on to advance their careers. ³

However, not everyone agrees that the AI boom is already over. Some argue that generative AI still has a lot of potential and promise, and that the challenges and limitations can be overcome with innovation and regulation. For instance, One AI, a company that specializes in generative AI solutions, states that it is leading the charge in addressing these limitations and making generative AI more robust and user-friendly. ⁴ Moreover, Harvard Online features an interview with Harvard experts who answer questions about the benefits and limitations of generative AI, and highlight some of the exciting applications and research directions in this field. ⁵

In conclusion, it is hard to say definitively whether the AI boom is already over or not. There are different perspectives and opinions on this topic, and there are valid arguments for both sides. Perhaps the best way to approach this question is to acknowledge the achievements and challenges of generative AI, and to keep an open mind about its future possibilities. 

 Bing, 8/20/2023

• (1) Generative AI Limitations and Challenges | One AI. https://www.oneai.com/learn/generative-ai-limitations.
• (2) The Benefits and Limitations of Generative AI: Harvard Experts Answer .... https://www.harvardonline.harvard.edu/blog/benefits-limitations-generative-ai.
• (3) Generative AI: Advantages, Disadvantages, Limitations, and Challenges. https://fact.technology/learn/generative-ai-advantages-limitations-and-challenges/.
• (4) Is the ChatGPT and Bing AI boom already over? - Vox. https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/8/19/23837705/openai-chatgpt-microsoft-bing-google-generating-less-interest.
• (5) AI boom - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AI_boom.
• (6) The AI boom is screwing over Gen Z | Sports, Hip Hop & Piff - The Coli. https://www.thecoli.com/threads/the-ai-boom-is-screwing-over-gen-z.986565/.
• (7) The Emergence of Generative AI and Its Limitations - All tech magazine. https://alltechmagazine.com/the-emergence-of-generative-ai-and-its-limitations/.

WELCOME BACK JIM CROW: THE CULTURE WARS SAY HELLO TO AN OLD FRIEND

 

WELCOME BACK JIM CROW: THE CULTURE WARS SAY HELLO TO AN OLD FRIEND

Ah, public education. The cornerstone of democracy, the foundation of knowledge, the...subject of heated political debate? That's right, folks. In today's America, public education has become a battleground for the culture wars, with right-winged MAGA billionaires like Koch and DeVos leading the charge to dismantle it piece by piece.

Let's start with the big one, shall we? Vouchers have become the darling of the right-winged education reform movement, promising to give parents more choice and improve academic outcomes. But as we've seen in states like Arizona and Florida, vouchers often end up diverting money from public schools and funding private schools that lack accountability and transparency. So will vouchers make red states smarter? Or will they just produce a fantasy education system that glorifies a past that never was?

It's no secret that the culture wars have reignited old debates about race and identity in America. From critical race theory to transgender rights, these issues have become flashpoints for political polarization and social unrest. But as we've seen in Georgia and Texas, the culture wars have also resurrected Jim Crow-era policies that discriminate against marginalized communities. So welcome back Jim Crow, we missed you...said no one ever.

George Orwell's dystopian classic 1984 warned us about the dangers of totalitarianism and government control. But what if we told you that public education was becoming 1984 on steroids? With laws that prohibit teaching about systemic racism and white privilege, states like Mississippi and Iowa are rewriting history and denying students the critical thinking skills they need to navigate a complex world. So grab your thought police badge and get ready for some doublethink.

We all know that billionaires love to fund their own pet projects, whether it's space travel or exotic animals. But did you know that they're also using vouchers to fund their own private schools? In states like Louisiana and Indiana, voucher programs have been criticized for funding religious schools and for-profit institutions that lack basic standards of quality and accountability. So if you're a billionaire looking to save your favorite private school, just remember: there's an app for that.

Finally, let's talk about the great divide that vouchers are creating in America's education system. With states like Florida and Tennessee passing laws that limit how teachers can discuss race and gender, public schools are becoming increasingly polarized and segregated. Meanwhile, private schools are becoming more exclusive and inaccessible to low-income families. So if you're looking for a way to tear apart America's education system, just remember: vouchers are your friend.

In conclusion, public education in America is facing some serious challenges right now. From vouchers to culture wars, it's clear that our education system is in need of reform. But instead of tearing it down or funding our own pet projects, let's work together to create a system that empowers all students to reach their full potential. After all, as Thomas Jefferson said, education is critical for preserving freedom and happiness. And who doesn't love freedom and happiness?

The states where school choice took center stage and won in 2023 | KOMO https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/the-states-where-school-choice-took-centerstage-and-won-in-2023-iowa-utah-florida-arkansas-idaho-indiana-oklahoma-tennessee-alabama-nebraska-montana-kansas-new-hampshire-wisconsin-louisana-south-carolina-ohio-voucher-private-charter-public-funding 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Sure, here is a detailed list of the states where culture wars and vouchers took center stage and won in 2023:

• * **Arizona:** Governor Doug Ducey signed the "Education Savings Account" program into law, which allows parents to use public funds to send their children to private schools. The program is funded by diverting money from the state's public schools.
• * **Florida:** Governor Ron DeSantis signed the "Parental Rights in Education" bill into law, which prohibits the teaching of critical race theory in schools and limits how teachers can discuss race and gender. The bill has been met with fierce opposition from educators and civil rights groups, who argue that it is an attempt to whitewash history and deny the existence of systemic racism.
• * **Georgia:** The state legislature passed a law that prohibits transgender students from participating in school sports that align with their gender identity. The law has been challenged in court and is currently being appealed.
• * **Indiana:** The state legislature passed a law that requires schools to post a list of parental rights on their websites and prohibits schools from teaching certain topics, such as critical race theory, without parental consent. The law has been met with criticism from educators and civil rights groups, who argue that it is an infringement on academic freedom.
• * **Iowa:** The state legislature passed a law that prohibits schools from teaching about "divisive concepts" such as systemic racism and white privilege. The law has been challenged in court and is currently being appealed.
• * **Mississippi:** The state legislature passed a law that prohibits schools from teaching about the history of racism in the United States. The law has been met with criticism from historians and educators, who argue that it is an attempt to whitewash history.
• * **Oklahoma:** The state legislature passed a law that prohibits schools from teaching about "critical race theory" or "gender ideology." The law has been met with criticism from educators and civil rights groups, who argue that it is an infringement on academic freedom.
• * **South Carolina:** The state legislature passed a law that requires schools to post a list of parental rights on their websites and prohibits schools from teaching certain topics, such as critical race theory, without parental consent. The law has been met with criticism from educators and civil rights groups, who argue that it is an infringement on academic freedom.
• * **Tennessee:** The state legislature passed the "Anti-CRT Act," which prohibits schools from teaching about "divisive concepts" such as systemic racism and white privilege. The law has been challenged in court and is currently being appealed.
• * **Texas:** The state legislature passed the "Save Women's Sports Act," which prohibits transgender girls from participating in school sports that align with their gender identity. The law has been challenged in court and is currently being appealed.

These are just a few of the many states where culture wars and vouchers have been debated in recent years. The outcome of these debates will have a significant impact on the future of education in the United States.

It is important to note that not all of these laws have been implemented yet. Some of them are currently being challenged in court. It is also important to note that there is a lot of debate about the impact of these laws. Some people believe that they will improve education, while others believe that they will harm it. Only time will tell what the true impact of these laws will be.

FROM BING AI

The states where culture wars and vouchers took center stage and won in 2023.

According to the web search results, several states passed or expanded school choice programs in 2023, which allow parents to use public funds to send their children to private or charter schools of their choice. Some of these programs are universal, meaning they have no eligibility requirements based on income, location, or academic performance. Others are targeted to specific groups of students, such as low-income families, students with disabilities, or students in failing public schools.

The states that enacted universal school choice programs in 2023 are:

• - Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill in January that created a universal school choice program, making Iowa the third state in the country after Arizona and West Virginia to do so⁴⁵. The program provides scholarships to families who want to enroll their children in private schools, regardless of their income or where they live. The scholarships are funded by tax credits for individuals and corporations who donate to scholarship-granting organizations⁴.
• - Utah: Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill in February that established a universal school choice program, shortly after Iowa did the same⁴⁵. The program offers education savings accounts (ESAs) to families who want to use public funds for private or home schooling, online courses, tutoring, or other educational expenses. The ESAs are funded by diverting a portion of the state's per-pupil funding from public schools to individual accounts⁴.
• - Arkansas: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Arkansas LEARNS Act in March, which created a universal school choice program⁵. The program provides vouchers to families who want to send their children to private schools, funded by a new tax on online sales. The vouchers are worth 80% of the state's per-pupil funding for public schools⁵.

The states that passed or expanded targeted school choice programs in 2023 are:

• - Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill in May that expanded the state's existing school choice programs, which include vouchers, tax credit scholarships, and ESAs for various groups of students⁵. The bill increased the income eligibility threshold for families to qualify for these programs, raised the amount of funding available for each student, and consolidated some of the programs into a single streamlined system⁵.
• - Idaho: Gov. Brad Little signed a bill in April that created a new school choice program for students with special needs⁵. The program offers ESAs to families who want to use public funds for private or home schooling, online courses, tutoring, or other educational expenses for their children with disabilities. The ESAs are funded by diverting a portion of the state's per-pupil funding from public schools to individual accounts⁵.
• - Indiana: Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill in April that expanded the state's existing voucher program, which provides scholarships to low- and middle-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the income eligibility threshold for families to qualify for the program, raised the amount of funding available for each student, and added a new option for families who earn too much to qualify for vouchers but still want some financial assistance for private schooling⁵.
• - Oklahoma: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill in April that expanded the state's existing tax credit scholarship program, which provides scholarships to low-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the amount of tax credits available for individuals and corporations who donate to scholarship-granting organizations, and added a new option for donors to direct their contributions to specific schools or students⁵.
• - Tennessee: Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill in May that created a new school choice program for students in failing public schools⁵. The program offers vouchers to families who want to send their children to private schools, funded by diverting a portion of the state's per-pupil funding from public schools to individual accounts. The program is limited to students who attend public schools that are in the bottom 10% of academic performance in the state⁵.
• - Alabama: Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill in May that expanded the state's existing tax credit scholarship program, which provides scholarships to low-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the amount of tax credits available for individuals and corporations who donate to scholarship-granting organizations, and added a new option for donors to direct their contributions to specific schools or students⁵.
• - Nebraska: Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a bill in May that created a new tax credit scholarship program, similar to those in Oklahoma and Alabama⁵. The program provides scholarships to low-income families who want to send their children to private schools, funded by tax credits for individuals and corporations who donate to scholarship-granting organizations⁵.
• - Montana: Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill in May that expanded the state's existing tax credit scholarship program, which provides scholarships to low- and middle-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the amount of tax credits available for individuals and corporations who donate to scholarship-granting organizations, and removed the cap on the total amount of tax credits that can be claimed each year⁵.
• - Kansas: Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill in June that expanded the state's existing tax credit scholarship program, which provides scholarships to low-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the income eligibility threshold for families to qualify for the program, raised the amount of funding available for each student, and added a new option for families who are dissatisfied with their public school's response to the COVID-19 pandemic⁵.
• - New Hampshire: Gov. Chris Sununu signed a bill in July that created a new school choice program for all students⁵. The program offers ESAs to families who want to use public funds for private or home schooling, online courses, tutoring, or other educational expenses. The ESAs are funded by diverting a portion of the state's per-pupil funding from public schools to individual accounts⁵.
• - Wisconsin: Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill in July that expanded the state's existing voucher program, which provides scholarships to low- and middle-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the income eligibility threshold for families to qualify for the program, raised the amount of funding available for each student, and added a new option for families who live in rural areas where there are no private schools nearby⁵.
• - Louisiana: Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a bill in July that expanded the state's existing voucher program, which provides scholarships to low-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the income eligibility threshold for families to qualify for the program, raised the amount of funding available for each student, and added a new option for families who have children with special needs⁵.
• - South Carolina: Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bill in July that expanded the state's existing tax credit scholarship program, which provides scholarships to low-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the amount of tax credits available for individuals and corporations who donate to scholarship-granting organizations, and added a new option for donors to direct their contributions to specific schools or students⁵.
• - Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill in August that expanded the state's existing voucher program, which provides scholarships to low-income families who want to send their children to private schools⁵. The bill increased the income eligibility threshold for families to qualify for the program, raised the amount of funding available for each student, and added a new option for families who live in districts where there are no public schools within 30 miles⁵.

The web search results also suggest that these school choice programs were influenced by the culture wars that have erupted over education issues such as critical race theory, diversity and inclusion initiatives, LGBTQ+ rights, COVID-19 restrictions, and curriculum standards. Some of these programs were framed as a way to protect parental rights and freedom of choice from government interference or indoctrination. Some of these programs were opposed by public school advocates and teachers unions who argued that they would divert resources and students from public education and undermine its quality and equity.

 Bing, 8/20/2023

• (1) The states where school choice took center stage and won in 2023. https://abcnews4.com/news/nation-world/the-states-where-school-choice-took-centerstage-and-won-in-2023-iowa-utah-florida-arkansas-idaho-indiana-oklahoma-tennessee-alabama-nebraska-montana-kansas-new-hampshire-wisconsin-louisana-south-carolina-ohio-voucher-private-charter-public-funding.
• (2) Every state that passed or expanded school choice in 2023. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/education/every-state-passed-expanded-school-choice-2023.
• (3) Will the Education Culture War Backfire on Republicans?. https://prospect.org/education/2023-02-08-republican-public-school-culture-war/.
• (4) Culture war consumes Congress as lawmakers confront spending deadline. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/25/culture-wars-hit-house-spending-bills-00107816.
• (5) Culture wars rage on, forcing marketers to decide whether to reevaluate .... https://www.marketingdive.com/news/marketing-trends-2023/654423/.
• (6) 2023 Lottery Results – CMS School Choice. https://cmschoice.org/lottery-results-2023/.
• (7) Choice & Enrollment - Denver Public Schools. https://schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/.