Max Goshert serves as the senior director of the Enterprise Policy Analysis Group at Arizona State University. His team analyzes federal and state policy to help university leadership understand the public policy landscape. Max also serves as the assistant research director for the non-partisan think tank the Grand Canyon Institute; his research focuses on public benefits, school choice, and workforce development. Previously, he worked in drowning prevention as a territory aquatics specialist for the American Red Cross. Max holds a Master of Public Policy degree from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s in Marketing degree from the University of Arizona.
Universal ESAs, Explained
This presentation serves as a concise overview of the background of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) school voucher program, what research shows about its likely impact on academic outcomes and classroom diversity, and what actions can be taken to create equitable school choice ecosystems and educational excellence. The presentation begins with a background of the two school voucher programs in Arizona: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts and School Tuition Organization scholarships (STOs). Clarity is provided on the different types of eligibility for these programs and the statistics for current program operations. Next, the design, implementation, and impact of the ESA program is expanded upon, with the implications regarding academic outcomes, classroom diversity, accountability requirements, public benefit, and impact on school choice examined. This is followed by a short explanation of the current state of the ESA program. Finally, policy solutions and action items for parents/educators are discussed.