School Choice, A Hope for Us All

By Alkinee Jackson

As a resident of Louisiana, a state in the process of redefining what education looks like for its precious children, I find myself extremely hopeful.

As a member of the education choice community, I am hopeful because we have started listening and, because of it, are redefining our mission.  We have learned that it is not our job to dictate to parents what we think they need. But, instead, our responsibility is to make sure the table is set before them with as many high-quality options as possible. We have learned that parents can make great choices with the right information and that an empowered community is an engaged community.

We have also begun to understand that the “system” as some like to refer to it, is the choice for some families, and that it is actually giving some children what they need to achieve their life’s goals. We are beginning to listen to, place value in, and partner with schools that are getting it right, even when they don’t fit into our mold. We are truly becoming team players.

I am hopeful for myself because I can now rest well at night knowing that I am finally getting it right. I am learning to truly listen to what parents express as important to them and walk with them along their journey with the same end goal in mind. I want their babies to be successful, no matter what route their education takes. I want them to know that I genuinely care about them and their families.

Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Theodore Roosevelt