Did you know that in states like Florida and Arizona, families can receive up to $8,000 a year to curate their children’s learning? And that in Florida alone, over 500,000 students benefit from this funding?
In this episode, I’m thrilled to interview Doug Tuthill, the Chief Vision Officer of Step Up For Students, the nation’s largest scholarship organization. Doug has dedicated his career to addressing systemic inequities in education, starting as a classroom teacher and union leader before leading Step Up’s transformative growth from supporting 9,000 students to over 500,000.
Doug shares his vision for public education’s third era, where families are empowered to customize their children’s education through innovative tools like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and a growing marketplace of vendors. We explore how this shift can balance equity and innovation, ensuring all students—especially the most vulnerable—have access to the opportunities they deserve.
Episode Highlights and Timestamps
[00:01:00] The Third Era of Public Education
Doug explains the paradigm shift from district-driven to family-centered education and why this change matters.
[00:07:15] Navigating the Universe of Choice
Insights into Step Up’s $3 billion ESA program, its 500,000 vendors, and how families can make informed decisions.
[00:15:30] Addressing Equity Concerns
How Step Up ensures educational choice benefits underserved families and avoids deepening inequities.
[00:22:45] The Entrepreneurial Landscape
Advice for innovators and small providers looking to thrive in the ESA ecosystem.
[00:29:10] Practical Tips for Families
Doug shares guidance for families new to Step Up’s programs, including common mistakes to avoid and key resources to explore.
[00:36:20] Building Well-Regulated Markets
Doug discusses the importance of transparency, data, and collaboration in shaping the future of educational choice.
[00:44:00] Looking Ahead: Texas and Beyond
Why Texas’s upcoming ESA program could double the impact of Florida’s initiative and what that means for families and providers.
Resources
Understanding the Third Era of Public Education
The Third Era of Public Education - NextSteps: Step Up For Students
Doug’s insights into how public education is evolving to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
Equity and School Choice
Tribal Politics, Education Choice, and the Constitution - NextSteps: Step Up For Students
An exploration of the political and constitutional challenges surrounding school choice.
The Impact of Florida’s Education Choice Programs
1. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Test Results
A detailed look at how scholarship students are performing academically.
2. The Effects of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program on College Enrollment and Graduation
Long-term data showing how these programs increase college enrollment and graduation rates.
How competition from choice programs can improve public school outcomes.
About Doug Tuthill
Doug Tuthill is a nationally recognized leader in education innovation and equity. As the Chief Vision Officer of Step Up For Students, Doug has played a pivotal role in transforming Florida’s education landscape, overseeing $3 billion in ESA funds annually and serving over 500,000 students.
Doug began his career as a classroom teacher and union leader, developing a passion for addressing inequities in education. Under his leadership, Step Up has grown to become a national model for education choice, empowering families to customize their children’s learning experiences through a vast network of vendors and services.
Doug is a frequent contributor to education policy discussions, advocating for well-regulated markets that balance innovation with equity. He holds a master’s degree in education and has served on numerous advisory councils, helping shape the future of public education.
About Modulo
Modulo is a one-stop marketplace, newsletter, podcast, and curated online community for homeschooling families and modular learners. We provide tailored support through dedicated learning specialists, custom tutoring programs, and an ever-growing educational marketplace. Modulo connects families with top-notch resources, including curriculum, tutors, classes, and community meetups. With over 100 guides on modular learning, access to engaging online kid clubs, and an exclusive members-only community, Modulo is committed to empowering families to navigate homeschooling and alternative education with confidence and ease. Our mission is to revolutionize education by offering personalized, adaptable solutions for every learner.
Key concepts:
Here are some key concepts discussed in this episode, linked to helpful resources from Modulo’s Glossary:
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
Learn how ESAs empower families by providing flexible funding for customized education, including private school tuition, therapy services, and more.
Understand the mechanics of school vouchers and how they enable students to attend private schools or other approved programs.
Explore the growing trend of microschools and their role in offering small, personalized learning environments.
Dive into the concept of modular learning and how it allows families to piece together tailored educational experiences from multiple providers.
Types of Assessment: Diagnostic, Formative, Interim, and Summative
A breakdown of the different types of assessments used to measure student progress and guide instruction.
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