Lawmakers in Missouri are considering following the lead of four other states that offer vouchers to parents of students with disabilities. I wrote about this issue about a year ago. Now, as then, I wonder: Even when such bills pass, are there enough schools available to accept these children?
The Missouri bill would be specifically for children with autism, and the lawmakers for and against vouchers in Missouri make familiar arguments. Those in favor say that such programs are a necessity for parents who don’t have good options available to them in public schools. Opponents think it’s a ploy to eventually spread vouchers to all students.
The bill under consideration is known as Bryce’s Law, named for the grandson of the legislator who is behind the measure.
An alternative plan proposed by opponents of the measure would create an autism advisory council, an ombudsman to assist parents and districts, and early childhood education centers.