The Issues

Education Freedom

A Voyage to Reading

When it comes to teaching kids to read, Richmond is no longer the poster child for failure — thanks to research-based methods, private sector financial support and a dedicated superintendent....

Christian Braunlich
March 18, 2009

A Voyage to Reading: Will Petersburg Follow Richmond’s Success?

Richmond used to be a poster child for failing schools. Not anymore. By using research based teaching methods they have dramatically improved their reading scores. Will other jurisdictions follow their...
Jefferson Forum
March 17, 2009

Black Neighborhoods Support More Parental Options!

More than 76 percent of voters in majority black Petersburg, Richmond and Norfolk neighborhoods overwhelmingly support school choice for parents in their school division. That’s the conclusion of a recently-completed...

Jefferson Forum
February 8, 2009

Time to Stop ‘Dithering’ on Educational Improvement

Overall, Virginia ranks high in K-12 education. But in shouting huzzah, we are overlooking clear pockets of failure — and its time to stop dithering about how to solve the...

Christian Braunlich
January 21, 2009

Virginia Needs More Charter Schools

Overall, Virginia does a good job with public education, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore the failure of public schools in some parts of our state. Instead of more...
Jefferson Forum
January 18, 2009

Who Will Report the News?

How's this for irony: The knowledge economy craves information more than ever, but newspapers and print media are imploding. Where will Virginians get their news in the Internet age?...
Jefferson Forum
September 8, 2008

Democrats for (School) Choice

Putting the interest of the nation's children ahead of those of the teachers unions, an increasing number of Dems are supporting school choice....
Jefferson Forum
July 21, 2008

Is There A ‘Business Case’ for Universal Preschool?

Is there a “business case” for universal preschool? Advocates argue that there is a long-term “Return On Investment,” paying back the early costs of preschool through decreased K-12 education costs...

Christian Braunlich
July 1, 2007

The Fiscal Impact of a Tuition Assistance Grant on Virginia’s Special Education Students

A Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program would allow Virginia students with disabilities to attend the public or private school of their parents’ choice. But opponents attack this aid for disabled...

Christian Braunlich
April 1, 2007

Jefferson Forum concentrates on policies that affect everyday life in Virginia

Economic Freedom

Lower taxes and fewer regulations

Education Freedom

More choices for Virginia families

Energy Freedom

Reliable, affordable energy

Worker Freedom

Protecting Virginia’s right-to-work tradition

These are the building blocks of a more competitive and prosperous Virginia.