OPINION: (Chalkboard News - Young Voices): States should let parents buy Legos, ski passes using education savings accounts (RADIO INTERVIEW INCLUDED)

No, seriously why should states let parents buy legos for their kids when it comes to education?

Check out my recent op-ed discussing how ESAs lead to autonomy in choosing education!

Parents have been using funds from school choice programs to buy things like Legos and ski passes, and they even are being used for music lessons. While some may say as they these are defund public schools., the reality is that it is giving money back to families. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, recently proposed ending spending on some of these purchases and imposing additional barriers under the guise of “accountability and transparency.”

Education is more than just what happens in the four walls of a classroom. It can happen anywhere.

Music can also play a vital role in children’s development, instilling skills such as leadership, self-expression and creativity, and can even help them do better in school. In 2019, the American Psychological Association published a study that found students involved in music score “significantly better” on exams compared to nonmusical students. I credit my own involvement in music for helping me receive scholarships, achieve high grades and improve my test scores. Not all schools have quality music programs — isn’t it better to empower parents to go elsewhere to meet those needs for their kids?

Also check out my interview below on this issue! (starting at 11:03)