Bill passes first vote to bring school choice to Native American students

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passed the Native American Education Opportunity Act, legislation sponsored by Sen. John McCain that would expand school choice for Native American students.

The bill would offer customized education options, including private tuition scholarships to Native American K-12 students living on Indian reservations as an alternative to attending Bureau of Indian Education schools, which, despite their high cost, include some of the most underperforming schools in the nation.

The American Federation for Children applauded the passage of the bill, noting the NAEO provides students living on tribal lands the ability to opt out of their BIE school and use an Education Savings Account to pay for the school or curriculum of their parent’s choice.

http://www.wmicentral.com/news/local_news/bill-passes-first-vote-to-bring-school-choice-to-native/article_94a1ecfc-793d-11e6-a8ed-2bd2737fe900.html