Study Released on Education Savings Accounts Effect on College Readiness in Texas

The Texas Business Leadership Council today released a study by Dr. Matthew Ladner, senior advisor of Policy and Research for the Foundation for Excellence in Education, examining the effect education savings accounts (ESA) would have on college readiness in Texas. The paper, The Achilles Heel of Texas: Improving College Eligibility Rates Through K-12 Education Savings Accounts, explains how ESAs would help to improve Texas college attainment rate, which is currently one of the lowest in the nation, and close the achievement gap for minority students in Texas.
“Texas has been struggling to cope with a heavy rate of enrollment growth.” said Ladner.
“Overcrowding has drawn resources out of classrooms and more into debt service while frustrating taxpayers with a continual cycle of property tax increases. In short, the Texas public school system needs both help and competition and Education Savings Accounts can supply both.”
Justin Yancy, president of the Texas Business Leadership Council added, “In Texas, we must be sure that all children have educational opportunities that meet their needs and school choice is a fundamental part of providing those opportunities for all students and parents. ESA’s are simply one tool for families to use to be sure their students have an education that is best for them.” Yancy further explained, “By no means are ESA’s an indictment of the public school system. It is widely recognized however that much needs to be done to improve Texas students’ educational outcomes. ESA’s are one way that we can improve our overall education system in the Lone Star State.”
To read the full report, visit: tinyurl.com/TBLCESA
Dr. Matthew Ladner is senior advisor of Policy and Research for the Foundation in Excellence in Education.
Justin Yancy is president of the Texas Business Leadership Council.
The Texas Business Leadership Council is a statewide network of CEOs and senior business executives who advance a long-term vision of a prosperous Texas in a globally competitive business environment.
The TBLC brings expertise, research, financial resources and advocacy to the leaders of Texas state government to provide a unique view of the potential outcomes of legislation, regulation and statewide funding.