The Comptroller’s Office of Research and Education Accountability (OREA) has released its evaluation of Tennessee's Education Savings Account (ESA) program, a task mandated by law. This comprehensive report delves into the program’s performance over its first three years, scrutinizing critical aspects such as student participation, academic achievement, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Launched in 2022, the ESA program was designed to provide eligible students with the opportunity to enroll in approved nonpublic schools, using funds from state and local sources. To qualify, students must reside in specific districts, namely Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools, or Hamilton County Schools, and meet household income thresholds. It accommodates students in grades K-12 who have attended public schools or meet certain exceptions, granting them access to approximately $9,700 annually for tuition and other approved educational expenses.
Key Observations from the Report
- Trends in Participation:
- The number of applications and approved students has seen a steady increase, reaching 3,693 participants in the 2024-25 academic year.
- Yet, participation remains below the program's capacity of 5,000 students, with a mere 7.2% of eligible students applying.
- Demographic Insights and Academic Performance:
- Notably, only 28% of participating students attended public schools before their ESA enrollment, and many did not originate from low-performing institutions.
- The data reveal a split in Hamilton County, with students equally divided between high-performing and low-performing schools.
- Regional Disparities:
- A significant number of ESA participants hail from Memphis, with most lacking an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and coming from households where English is the primary language.
- Growth in Non-Public School Enrollment:
- The report documents an uptick in non-public school participation, with 97 schools enrolling in the program by 2024-25, predominantly religious institutions.
- However, tuition at these schools frequently surpasses ESA funding by an average of $3,000.
- Academic Outcomes:
- While TCAP scores for ESA students have shown improvement, they still fall short compared to their public school counterparts. The anticipated academic growth remains less than would be expected.
- Satisfaction Ratings:
- Parent satisfaction remains impressively high, averaging over 94% annually. However, the number of students participating in satisfaction surveys has markedly decreased.
- Identified Challenges:
- Participating schools have voiced concerns regarding the online application portal and expressed varied satisfaction levels with the program.
- Although the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has met most legal requirements, there is a pressing need for improved outreach to low-income families and enhanced fraud prevention mechanisms.
Recommendations for Improvement
OREA's report delineates several recommendations aimed at augmenting the efficacy of the ESA program:
- For the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE):
- Amplify awareness of the ESA program within low-income communities.
- Strengthen communication and collaboration with educational institutions and families.
- Synchronize program operations with non-public school admission timelines to enhance participation.
- Adopt more robust data collection practices, particularly concerning student withdrawals and the performance metrics of schools.
- For the Tennessee General Assembly (TGA):
- Reconsider the application requirements and award amounts to encourage greater involvement.
- Reevaluate eligibility criteria to broaden access to the program.
JC Bowman, the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, underscored the necessity of these findings, asserting, "The Comptroller’s Office conducts exceptional research that deserves our attention. It’s essential to dive into their findings and have meaningful discussions about them."
This evaluation represents a crucial juncture in refining Tennessee's ESA program, ensuring it serves the needs of students and families while remaining accountable to the taxpayers of Tennessee.
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