Greater parental control in education is gaining popularity in Kansas, as recent surveys show 70+% of parents favor the choice of school that their children attend. Since the pandemic, parents and legislators have seen the challenges in schools and learning loss in students that have had a serious impact on youth education.

At recent rallies and testimony in multiple committees in the legislature, families and school officials shared stories of success that have resulted from parents having the ability to choose the best learning environment for their child. The K-12 Education Budget Committee (a subcommittee that recommends budget for the state's largest expense category) has heard testimony for the expansion of the Kansas Low-Income Student Scholarship tax credit program, which saves the state millions by educating students in private schools of their parents' choice. (A recent survey shows that 77% of parents are pleased with this program.) This week, the Sunflower Education Equity Act, was introduced, which would provide education accounts for qualified students in Kansas. Proponents of these programs advocate supporting students, not systems, for better outcomes in education, which Kansas needs.