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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, September 1, 2002

COMMENTARY
Hawai'i needs to capitalize on No Child act

By Laura Brown
Mililani resident

There is renewed debate in Hawai'i ignited by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision (Zelman v. Simmons-Harris), which allows for tuition aid and educational choices to eligible families.

The Supreme Court held that the voucher program does not offend the Constitution's establishment clause ("Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion ... ") and redefines the proper role of government in the administration of educational programs.

Reinforcing this decision is the No Child Left Behind Act, signed into law in January, which allows for parent empowerment in decision-making, encourages independence and effectively motivates Hawai'i to change.

Hawai'i has yet to enact policies and legislation to capitalize on the opportunities presented by these national events. Arguments regarding vouchers, pro and con, must move quickly into how to implement effective change.

A simple step plan will fulfill the five elements of No Child Left Behind: accountability, flexibility, local planning for local solutions, best practices and full information on options for parents.

• Step No. 1 — Hawai'i defines student eligibility.

First, a clear definition and criteria for student eligibility must be created. Eligibility categories may be based upon disability, income level, medical and/or psychological conditions, age and/or dependency status.

Eligibility must be determined according to consistent, written procedures. Students would be identified at local schools, private health or human service organizations, or through other community services. Formal appeals procedures must be developed in the case of disagreement on eligibility decisions. Procedures must allow expedient provision of services to students to include cases where there is disagreement on eligibility.

• Step No. 2 — Hawai'i defines provider eligibility criteria.

Criteria for provider eligibility must be established. Parents may be able to receive services from unlicensed providers of their choosing if the provider meets their specific needs.

• Step No. 3 — Hawai'i develops service authorization procedures.

Consumers, advocates and providers must participate in the development of fair and clearly defined authorization procedures. Services may be authorized at predetermined benefit levels or case by case.

Services must be part of an individualized care plan developed and periodically reviewed by a case manager. Families should have some flexibility in their choice of case manager or advocate. Case managers may be employed by the state or a private organization under contract with the state.

• Step No. 4 — Hawai'i develops financing and distribution systems.

Vouchers are submitted to the state or to an independent agency for payment to the providers. Procedures may include consumer approval of invoices for services. Authorized but unbilled services should also be tracked. Money and/or vouchers will be distributed directly to consumers. Service delivery monitoring and management information systems are essential.

• Step No. 5 — Hawai'i allows for transition.

A phase-in period would allow for less negative impact and ensure continuity and stability of service. Consumers must have the opportunity to participate in planning the transition.

• Step No. 6 — Hawai'i educates consumers.

Hawai'i must decide who will provide educational services and how they will be provided. Case managers may conduct consumer education. Consumer hot lines would allow referrals and access to providers and facilitate consumer education.

In summary, vouchers will increase parent choice, streamline administration contracts and control spending. State agency service coordination staff would shift its focus

to authorizing services for eligible individuals, assisting those that need it with the choice of providers and monitoring progress toward goals.

Studies point to the cost-effectiveness of voucher efforts, because families often end up choosing more cost-effective options, especially given financial incentives. Vouchers also have the proven capacity to easily adapt to self-payment options if Hawai'i's educational tax dollars are to be credit(s) toward the advancement of the public costs of Hawai'i's educational services.

Furthermore, parents are better able to judge quality and outcomes of services than government and to use their purchasing power effectively to seek higher quality. Government agencies are better able to focus on monitoring, licensing and policies.