NEPC Review: 'Estimating the Long-Run Impact of a Universal ESA Program in Mississippi' (EdChoice, December 2025)
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| Title: | NEPC Review: 'Estimating the Long-Run Impact of a Universal ESA Program in Mississippi' (EdChoice, December 2025) |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | David S. Knight, University of Colorado at Boulder, National Education Policy Center (NEPC) |
| Source: | National Education Policy Center. 2026. |
| Availability: | National Education Policy Center. School of Education 249 UCB University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309. Tel: 303-735-5290; e-mail: nepc@colorado.edu; Web site: http://nepc.colorado.edu |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice |
| Document Type: | Reports - Evaluative Opinion Papers |
| Descriptors: | State Programs, School Choice, Program Effectiveness, Educational Finance, Educational Policy, Economic Impact, Reports, Criticism, Measurement, Private Schools, Educational Attainment |
| Geographic Terms: | Mississippi |
| Abstract: | A recent EdChoice report estimates the long-term economic returns of a universal education savings account (ESA) policy in Mississippi, arguing that taxpayer-funded ESAs--used for private tuition and other expenses--would generate economic benefits. While rigorous research is essential as school choice programs expand, the report's methodological errors, faulty assumptions, and misleading conclusions undermine its value for policymaking. It bases its projections on studies of vouchers and tax-credit scholarships rather than ESAs, miscalculates benefits, and ignores program costs despite evidence of substantial state expenditures. As a result, it misleads state leaders about investing limited education dollars, and lawmakers should consult broader research before advancing private school choice policies. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED681130 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | A recent EdChoice report estimates the long-term economic returns of a universal education savings account (ESA) policy in Mississippi, arguing that taxpayer-funded ESAs--used for private tuition and other expenses--would generate economic benefits. While rigorous research is essential as school choice programs expand, the report's methodological errors, faulty assumptions, and misleading conclusions undermine its value for policymaking. It bases its projections on studies of vouchers and tax-credit scholarships rather than ESAs, miscalculates benefits, and ignores program costs despite evidence of substantial state expenditures. As a result, it misleads state leaders about investing limited education dollars, and lawmakers should consult broader research before advancing private school choice policies. |
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