Education stakeholders are joining together across the nation in one voice this week to speak out on behalf of students and teachers in all academic settings.

National School Choice Week 2016 is already off to a powerful start with over 16,000 events taking place in all 50 states throughout the week - the largest school choice week in history - and growing!

As you celebrate this week with us, you're bound to start discussions with many who know very little about the benefits of school/ teacher choice.

So we've brought you a list of frequently asked questions that you may come across along the way:

1. What is School Choice?

School choice means empowering parents to select the best education environments for their children. K-12 education options that parents can choose – or want to be able to choose – for their kids. These options include:

• Traditional district public schools

• Public charter schools

• Public magnet schools

• Independent schools

• Online learning

• Homeschooling

The definition of each can be FOUND HERE.

2. What is National School Choice Week?

Started in 2011, NSCW has grown into the world’s largest celebration of opportunity in education. The movement is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort welcoming all Americans to get involved and to have their voices heard! National School Choice Week celebrates all K-12 options available to students and teachers.

3. Does my state support school choice?

Governors from 27 states have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week in their states and more than 200 mayors and county leaders have issued School Choice Week proclamations. Learn more about the school choice options available in your state.

4. What types of organizations support school choice?

Learn more about partners like AAE. This years partners include:

American Federation for Children

BAEO

Choice Media

Democrats for Education Reform

Families Empowered

Foundation for Excellence in Education

Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options

Homeschool NOW USA

And more!

5. What do AAE members think about school choice?

School choice is a vital component of the education reform movement. We know that students learn differently, so a one-size-fits-all learning environment is mostly counterproductive. Parents must have the choice of where to educate their individual child. And as educators we must recognize the possibilities for advancement and positive growth in the profession through school choice.

AAE recognizes that not all of our members agree with all school choice options. Our surveys indicate, however, that our members agree that the status quo is not working and changes must be made for the sake of our children. While AAE is happy to advocate for choice for teachers, our membership has not embraced certain choice policies, including vouchers or tax credits. What we do support are the possibilities for education with school choice options in play.

Once limited to rigid traditional school-terms and schedules, teachers are employed in traditional public schools, charters, private schools, religious schools, and online schools just to name a few. Educators will in turn have choices themselves when deciding when, where and how to teach kids. AAE supports any policy that gives teachers new and rewarding career opportunities.

AAE is a leading supporter of National School Choice Week 2016. We hope you're having fun joining in this yearly celebration.

Do you struggle explaining school choice week to your friends, neighbors, or colleagues?

Tell us how we can help in the comments below!

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