For more than a century, parents and teachers have been engaged in “reading wars” between those who favor phonics (teaching letter sounds and combinations) and cueing (using a picture paired with a word). Research has consistently found that phonics, paired with other techniques generally called the “science of reading,” is more effective than cueing. Yet cueing is still widely used in some areas—leaving many parents with no alternatives when schools persistently fail to help their children.

Enter Education Savings Accounts. States that have this program deposit a portion of a child’s spending from education funding formulas in a private account that parents use to buy education products and services. They can choose a new school for their child or customize their student’s educational experience by hiring tutors or purchasing learning materials such as textbooks and online resources. Lawmakers in 19 states have made accounts or account-style options available for children to apply statewide.

Such education solutions are attracting families: In Florida, a half-million students are using accounts or other private school scholarships. Arizona is approaching 100,000 students. Texas and Louisiana lawmakers just adopted new account options. With assigned schools proving painfully slow to change, Education Savings Accounts allow families to help their children today.