Open enrollment not effective tool
One of Gov. Phil Bryant’s most controversial education proposals is for open enrollment in public schools. His plan would allow inter- and intra-district transfers between public schools.
The governor says we have built up invisible walls that keep students locked in failing schools. He likens these invisible walls to the Berlin Wall and advocates tearing them down to allow parents the freedom of choosing where they send their children to school.
But Bryant’s proposal does not single out failing districts, and when questioned about such limits to open enrollment he responded that his desire is to see it applied to all students in all districts. His reasoning for the proposal — those invisible walls trapping students in failing schools — therefore doesn’t match the proposal itself. Open enrollment is not new; several other states have enacted it to varying degrees of success and in varying manners. Some states have forced open enrollment, meaning every district must accept students from other districts.
Clarion Ledger
12/5/12
Magnolia Tribune
