Foster kids in Oklahoma will soon receive state funding to attend private school, if they choose to do so.
As Oklahoma Watch reports, in the past state funding for private schools has been given to disabled or special-needs students. But this is the first time that funding has expanded to include foster children.
The idea behind the change is to allow foster kids who have experienced trauma to tailor their education to their needs.
The change will go into effect on Sept. 1.
The new rule was approved by the Oklahoma Legislature last session, and was signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin in May.
There are not currently any plans underway to expand private school funding beyond foster, disabled, and special-needs children.
Critics say the program will only drain money from already starved public schools, and that money should be redirected back into public education.