Green Mountain Times

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Vermont secured the thirty-third position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 64.4%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Vermont scored a 75% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 50%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Vermont earned a 75%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

One of the few states without innovative public school options, Vermont's legacy "Town Tuitioning Program" and a better than average innovation score keeps the Green Mountain state from a completely empty parent power valley. But time will tell whether the nation's education freedom wave will move their mountains," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Governor Scott passed a resolution recognizing National School Choice Week, but has done little else to spur innovation or an expansion of opportunities to Vermont families. It’s time for a little out-of-the-box thinking by the Governor," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”