Indiana now has what may be the nation’s most ambitious voucher program, giving middle-income families access to taxpayer funds for private school tuition.
The program, signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels last week, opens the scholarships to a larger pool of students than most voucher programs, with income limits as high as $60,000 a year for a family of four and fewer restrictions on the quality of schools students could leave. It also requires participating private schools to take part in state tests and the state’s system for grading schools.
It was one of several education proposals supported by Gov. Daniels that have won legislative approval this year, including a measure to promote charter school expansion, restrictions on collective bargaining, and a plan to judge teachers and school administrators based on performance.
Mr. Daniels, a potential 2012 Republican presidential candidate, is being watched closely for signs of a national education platform.
