New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut recently highlighted the evolving landscape of student education in the state, including finances, post-COVID-19 recovery efforts, and the introduction of educational freedom accounts. Edelblut's insights come at a critical time as states grapple with the challenge of rising education costs as student enrollment declines.
Impact of the new coronavirus infection and recovery efforts
The pandemic has had a significant impact on student performance, exposing and accelerating existing declines. Edelblut highlighted the state's response, including federal funding for coronavirus relief programs aimed at mitigating learning loss. Initiatives such as summer camp programs have been particularly effective, allowing students to engage in learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom environment. While New Hampshire is showing improvement and recovery in student performance, the goal is not simply to return to pre-pandemic levels, but to achieve higher goals of academic success.
Rising costs and education funding
The average cost per student in New Hampshire is more than $20,000, significantly higher than the national average, and Edelblut emphasized the need to critically evaluate the return on this investment. Discussions about education funding are increasingly focused on achieving better outcomes for students, rather than simply funding the education system. This includes considering strategies to effectively deploy resources to meet community and student needs.
education freedom account
The introduction and proposed expansion of Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) has sparked a debate about how best to support student success. Edelblut advocates for expanding EFA to all students who need it, arguing that EFA allows students to find educational environments in which they can thrive. While critics argue that EFA could subsidize families who have already chosen private or homeschooling, Edelblut believes student success and educational outcomes are better than maintaining a one-size-fits-all system. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on
New Hampshire's education debate, led by Secretary Edelblut, underscores our determination to meet today's challenges while paving the way for brighter futures for our students. As states continue to evaluate and adapt their approach to education funding, programs, and policies, the goal of ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed remains clear.