Private Schools

In Some Cases, Random Drug Testing Of Students Is Legal

The Fourth Amendment says that a person can’t be subject to an unreasonable search and seizure by public officials. But the Supreme Court ruled, in some cases, it is okay to randomly drug test students.

2013/04/19

Part 1: The EITC — What Is It?

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit is promoted as a way to provide a better education for poor children, but public education advocates say it actually takes away tax money that could be used to improve schools.

2012/11/08

Susan Gobreski, of Education Voters of Pennsylvania. Her organization says the EITC undermines public education. Credit: Pat Loeb)

Part 2: Who’s Hurt by the EITC?

Expanding the program at a time when the state has slashed public school funding is infuriating public education advocates.

2012/11/08

(Construction is underway on a new building on the campus of the Agnes Irwin School, in Rosemont, Pa. Credit: Pat Loeb)

Part 3: Who Benefits From It?

“BLOCS provides scholarships from your business taxes to students who not only want to attend a Catholic school but are most in need,” says one advertisement.

2012/11/08

(Pa. state senator Anthony Williams visits the Patterson Elementary School in Southwest Philadelphia. Credit: Pat Loeb)

Part 4: Ongoing Controversies

State senator Tony Williams defends the program as similar to the GI Bill, but some of his Harrisburg colleagues see it as improperly favoring closed groups.

2012/11/08

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