Across the United States, policymakers are increasingly adopting education policies that give families the power to choose their children’s schools. Nonetheless, the idea of providing school vouchers to allow children to attend private schools remains controversial. For instance, congressional leaders and the Obama Administration have tried to end a… Read more

President Obama has proposed a new plan to cap student loan payments at 10 percent of the borrower’s discretionary income. Borrowers with incomes below 150 percent of the federal poverty line (or approximately $33,000) would be required to make no payment, and the balance of a borrower’s loan… Read more

The Obama Administration has signaled that it will include a $1.35 billion expansion of the “Race to the Top” (RTTT) fund in its FY 2011 budget.[1] This is in addition to the $4.35 billion for RTTT included in last year’s stimulus bill.[2] Under the Department… Read more

Abstract: Recently released results from the Head Start Impact Study indicate that the benefits of participating in Head Start almost completely disappear by first grade. While other studies have previously assessed Head Start's effectiveness, this is the only study that used a rigorous experimental design. Given this strongly negative evaluation,… Read more

Sometimes trouble strikes unannounced. Witness Pearl Harbor or 9/11. Other times it arrives after fair warnings, gathering like storms on the horizon. Global economic competition and our nation's long-term fiscal outlook are two major challenges that fall in the latter category. For children coming of age today, they constitute rising… Read more

Abstract: Virtual or online learning is revolutionizing American education. It has the potential to dramatically expand the educational opportunities of American students, largely overcoming the geographic and demographic restrictions. Virtual learning also has the potential to improve the quality of instruction, while increasing productivity… Read more

Before we invest $10 billion to fund new programs for preschoolers, let's get an answer to the $100 billion question: Does Head Start provide lasting benefits? Universal health care may top the wish-lists of many liberals this Christmas -- but universal preschool isn't far behind. President … Read more

The U.S. House of Representatives will soon consider H.R. 3221, the "Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009," legislation that will terminate the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, expand the Federal Direct Loan program, and increase spending on other post-secondary education programs.[1] If enacted, the legislation… Read more

As American students head back to school, many parents will worry about their children's safety at school during the upcoming year.[1] School safety will likely be a top concern of families living in Washington, D.C. This WebMemo is a summary of a CDA Report by The Heritage Foundation and… Read more

A new school year is under way, but we already can grade the condition of American education. Let's just say no "honor student" bumper stickers will be necessary. The typical child entering first grade this year can expect taxpayers to spend more than $100,000 on his or her education through high school. (The Department… Read more