# Stronger Education for Stronger Communities --- Author: Greg Baker Index: [[CAN White Papers]] Word Doc: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sxoqoaygycj43wz08s5lx/Stronger-Education-for-Stronger-Communities.docx?dl=0&rlkey=rmkeu6lmdt8hyvsfqk95f5iyw --- “For government is God’s servant for your good.” Romans 13:4. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to **commend those who do right.”** 1 Peter 2:13-14. **Introduction** In the Church Ambassador Network, a ministry of The FAMiLY LEADER Foundation, we hold to the teachings of the Bible that God created government for our good. When government does its job well the people are blessed, and that is exactly what we want to see in the State of Iowa. Education has served at the heart of the State of Iowa’s strategy to build stronger communities, and it has raised up countless generations of Iowans and has seen excellent success in building better communities for all Iowans. Strong education must continue to serve at the heart of Iowa’s strategy for better communities for tomorrow. To build on the foundation that has already been built, we must continue to strengthen public education, as well as remove obstacles for parents to choose the best option for education for each of their children. We believe that education must **NOT** be about private education or public education. It must be about what is best for each child and family. It must be about public, private, and home education. It must be about strengthening and investing in our communities and the people who make them. Too often in our culture today, it is an “us vs. them” mentality. It is to much about “either or” rather than “and.” If we want strong communities, we must have strong education and that includes strong public schools, strong private schools, and strong homes supporting Iowa’s next generation. Education Savings Accounts make that possible for every Iowan. In the Church Ambassador Network, we want to see education that: **Brings greater access for each child, regardless of social or economic status.** “Speak out on behalf of the voiceless and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.” Proverbs 31:8 The greatest benefit of school choice is that it brings options to all Iowans, regardless of their socio-economic status. Multiple studies show that most children born into poverty are likely to stay in poverty throughout adulthood. Research indicates that children from low-socioeconomic (SES) households and communities develop academic skills slower than children from higher SES groups (Morgan, Farkas, Hillemeier, & Maczuga, 2009). At virtually all grade levels, achievement gaps in math and reading among people of color and low-income families has made little progress. Test results from the “Nation’s Report Card” show that school choice can benefit these families most in need. (Washington Examiner article – January 9, 2020). Our most vulnerable need their public officials to empower them. This investment in their early years will not only enhance the possibilities of saving the state future costs of the welfare system, but it will also re-build neighborhoods. **Allows more options to all communities, rather than a few.** “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” (James 2:1) Iowans thrive when every community thrives. Strong school choice public policy allows every community to offer quality choices in education regardless of the community’s size and economic condition. School choice is not a battle between our communities’ public and private schools. School choice allows schools to do what they were designed to do: serve students. Students and parents desperately need educational models and services that fit their learning style and life. No matter what type of school that ends up being, each child deserves the best possible education for him or her, regardless of their ZIP code. **Meets even more needs for children and families.** “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thessalonians. 3:13) As Christians, we know that God designed us as both physical and spiritual beings. As we raise up the next generation, it is important that we build into children both physically and spiritually. This responsibility ultimately falls with parents, but choice in education creates more possibilities to invest in Iowa’s children both physically and spiritually. We also know that education may be the single most effective contributor to lower crime rates, unemployment, and community health issues. Neighborhood schools struggle with the very same issues as communities of crime and lack of safety, sometimes impacting the time allotted to instruction and achievement. This can all contribute greatly to breaking down families and chronic economic immobility. **Uses quality education to help build stronger communities.** “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7) School choice strengthens education in every community, and as result strengthens every community, as it invests in the next generation. School choice not only increases academic achievement but it has also been shown to drastically reduce cases of racial and economic disparity. The National Bureau of Economic Research completed a study (2006) which found that among children of low socio-economic status the ability to participate in school choice programs ultimately increased secondary school completion rates by 15–20 percent. **Empowers Parents** “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 5:16) “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20) Strong school choice public policy empowers parents to send their children to the school of their choice and levels the education playing field by offering unique educational options for all families, regardless of neighborhood or income level. Innate in families across our state is a desire to choose the best opportunities for their child. All of them should have the freedom to direct their futures, allowing innovative, individualized instruction models to develop. Education savings account programs (ESAs) give parents the power to use their child’s state education dollars on approved education expenses including tuition and fees, textbooks and tutoring. Families receive funds in an account and are able to customize education to their child’s specific needs. Six states currently have ESA programs.