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Clearinghouse on Educational Policy and Management
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| College of Education · University of Oregon |
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Trends and Issues: School Choice
Arguments Pro and ConJournal ArticlesEJ647040 EA539623Black Leadership and Vouchers. Author: Canada, Benjamin O. Availability: P.O. Box 1888, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-1888. Tel: 319-364-6167; Fax: 319-364-4278; Web site: http://www.buildings.com. Journal Citation: School Administrator, v59 n6 p39 Jun 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0036-6439 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2002 Abstract: Criticizes Michael Leo Owens's commentary on why urban black parents favor vouchers, but black leaders do not. (PKP) Descriptors: *Black Attitudes; Criticism; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Urban Education; EJ647039 EA539622 Why Blacks Support Vouchers. Author: Owens, Michael Leo Availability: P.O. Box 1888, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-1888. Tel: 319-364-6167; Fax: 319-364-4278; Web site: http://www.buildings.com. Journal Citation: School Administrator, v59 n6 p38 Jun 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0036-6439 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2002 Abstract: Offers reasons why urban black parents favor educational vouchers even though many black state and local elected officials do not. (PKP) Descriptors: *Black Attitudes; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education Identifiers: Public Agenda ED464980 UD035005 An Economic Case against Vouchers: Why Local Public Schools Are a Local Public Good. Dartmouth Economics Department Working Paper. Author: Fischel, William A. Availability: Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, University of Minnesota, 330 HHH Center, 301-19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Tel: 612-625-1551; Fax: 612-626-0273; e-mail: cura@umn.edu; Web site: http://www.cura.umn.edu. Publication Date: February 2002 Report Number: WP-02-01 Language: English Document Type: Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: RIENOV2002 Abstract: This article offers an explanation and economic rationale for the failure of vouchers to be generally accepted by the public, suggesting that public schools are in fact a local public good. The reason economists fail to notice this is they look exclusively to the educational activity of the schools. Education is actually a private good, being both rival in its consumption and excludable in its provision. Its only arguable "publicness" stems from the benefits that cannot be appropriated by the person educated. These spillovers are best internalized by state and national subsidies to private education. The publicness of public schools accrues largely to the parents of schoolchildren and to other adult community residents. Having children in a local school enables voters to get to know one another better, which in turn reduces the transaction costs of providing other local public goods. Community-specific social capital makes it easier for residents to round up others to oppose the "ugly" building proposed in their neighborhood or to lobby the city council to build a bypass to alleviate local traffic congestion. This benefit cannot usually be obtained from private education because private schools have a geographically dispersed clientele, living in different political jurisdictions. Vouchers would disperse students from their communities and thereby lower the community-specific capital of adult residents. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/SM) Descriptors: *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Human Capital; Politics of Education; Private Schools; Public Opinion; *Public Schools; School Choice Identifiers: *Social Capital Geographic Source: U.S.; New Hampshire EJ644888 EA539498 The Truth About Vouchers. Author: Caire, Kaleem M. S. Availability: Naylor Publications, Inc., 5931 Northwest 1st Place, Gainesville, FL 32607. Tel: 800-369-6220 (Toll Free); Fax: 352-331-3525. Journal Citation: Educational Leadership, v59 n7 p38-42 Apr 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0013-1784 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJSEP2002 Abstract: Based on data from five educational voucher programs in the United States, argues that voucher schools do not "cream" the best students, do serve special-needs students, can improve academic achievement, do not increase racial segregation, and do not harm public schools. Explains why African Americans support educational vouchers. (Contains 18 references.) (PKP) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Blacks; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Public Schools; Racial Segregation; School Choice; Special Needs Students; *Urban Education; EJ644887 EA539497 The False Promise of Vouchers. Author: McDonald, Timothy Availability: Naylor Publications, Inc., 5931 Northwest 1st Place, Gainesville, FL 32607. Tel: 800-369-6220 (Toll Free); Fax: 352-331-3525. Journal Citation: Educational Leadership, v59 n7 p33-37 Apr 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0013-1784 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJSEP2002 Abstract: Argues that vouchers do not improve student achievement, hurt public schools, exclude many students, go to students who do not need them, and decrease accountability. Reform efforts should be directed to turning around failing public schools. (Contains 29 references.) (PKP) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; Accountability; *Criticism; Disadvantaged Youth; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Equal Education; Private Education; Public Education; School Choice; EJ643604 JC509908 School Choice on Trial. Author: Connor, Shanna; McDonald, Dale Availability: Editor, Thresholds in Education, EPF Department, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; Tel: 815-753-9359 (annual subscription: $20.00). Journal Citation: Momentum, v33 n1 p62-63 Mar 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0026-914X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Legal/Legislative/Regulatory materials (090); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJAUG2002 Abstract: Presents details of the Zelman argument in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, which challenged the Cleveland school voucher program. Argues that Cleveland's intent was not to assist private schools or advance religion, but rather to help students who were enrolled in a failing public school system. (NB) Descriptors: Catholic Educators; Catholic Schools; Court Litigation; Educational Finance; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Laws; Private Education; *Religious Education; Scholarships; *State Church Separation; *Tuition Grants Identifiers: *Supreme Court EJ639050 EA539134 Vouchers--An Illusion of Choice. Author: Ferguson, Janet M. Availability: http://llt.msu.edu Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v189 n1 p42-43,51 Jan 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN2002 Abstract: Vouchers have been touted as a means to give parents more choice in their child's education, with the rationale that this choice will improve their child's chances of succeeding in school. Studies have produced mixed and inconclusive results. Critics argue that only the more motivated and higher income families will use the vouchers, thus increasing the segregation of students by race, economic status, and parent's educational background. (MLF) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Parent Attitudes; *Private Schools; Program Evaluation; *Socioeconomic Status; *Tuition; EJ630407 UD523051 The Surprising Consensus on School Choice. Author: Greene, Jay P. Availability: Journal Citation: Public Interest, n144 p19-35 Sum 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0033-3557 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN2002 Abstract: Discusses whether school choice benefits students who do and do not receive vouchers, noting how choice affects integration and democratic ideals. Overall, there are important benefits for families participating in choice programs. Choice does not cream off the best students. Educational vouchers may influence public schools to improve. Private schools are more likely to be integrated and promote civic virtues. (SM) Descriptors: Democratic Values; *Educational Research; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Parent Participation; Private Schools; Racial Integration; *School Choice EJ592908 EA536271 Voters versus Vouchers: An Analysis of Referendum Data. Author: Menendez, Albert J. Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan, v81 n1 p76-80 Sep 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR2000 Abstract: The American people do not favor tax support for private or parochial schools. The issue of vouchers has been placed before the electorate 22 times since 1966, and the voters have rejected it 21 times. It makes little sense for state and national legislators to continue to press for unwanted programs. (MLH) Descriptors: *Educational Vouchers; *Elections; Elementary Secondary Education; *Parochial Schools; *Private Schools; *Public Opinion; *Tax Allocation Identifiers: California; Colorado; Massachusetts; Michigan; *Referendums; Religious Fundamentalism; Washington EJ587684 EA536102 A Bold Experiment To Fix City Schools. Author: Miller, Matthew Availability: Journal Citation: Atlantic Monthly, v284 n1 p15-16,18,26-28,30-31 Jul 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0276-9077 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN2000 Abstract: Although vouchers were popular among 1970s leftists, a political standoff has kept them unavailable to 99% of urban school children. This article debunks common arguments against vouchers and advocates a system that awards substantial voucher amounts (a 20% spending boost) to needy students, thus mollifying conservatives and progressives. (MLH) Descriptors: Conservatism; *Economically Disadvantaged; *Educational Equity (Finance); Educational Improvement; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Liberalism; *Politics of Education; Racial Factors; Unions; *Urban Schools Identifiers: Educational Adequacy; Friedman (Milton); Funding Formulas; National Association Advancement Colored People Descriptive Terms: Back issues available from The Atlantic, Back Issues, 1900 Industrial Park Dr., Federalsburg, MD 21632; (410) 754-8219 ($7.50). EJ587671 EA536054 Give Us Your Money... Author: Doerr, Edd Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan, v80 n10 p778-79 Jun 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN2000 Abstract: According to a Department of Education report, 92% of nonpublic schools would accept students from overcrowded urban public schools only if they were allowed to maintain their current admissions, curriculum, and religious instruction/activity policies. These are powerful arguments against school vouchers or use of nonpublic schools to alleviate overcrowding. (MLH) Descriptors: *Admission Criteria; Costs; *Crowding; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Private Schools; *Public Schools; Religious Education; *Transfer Policy Identifiers: *Department of Education EJ587668 EA536051 Going All the Way. Author: Mote, Michael Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan, v80 n10 p766-69 Jun 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN2000 Abstract: An elementary principal believes the universal "right" to a free public-school education has so hamstrung educators that they cannot effectively set or maintain standards. Two case studies involving disruptive students and irresponsible parents illustrate a vicious cycle that only educational vouchers (for full per-pupil amounts) might interrupt. (MLH) Descriptors: *Behavior Problems; Case Studies; *Change Strategies; Civil Liberties; Conservatism; Educational Change; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Free Enterprise System; Institutional Survival; *Parent Responsibility; Principals; Private Schools; Public Education; School Choice; *Student Rights Identifiers: *Maryland EJ580757 SP527313 Only the Educated are Free. Author: Decker, Brett M. Availability: Journal Citation: Crisis in Educationp45 Feb 1998 Publication Date: 1998 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Viewpoints (120) Abstract: Suggests that private school choice initiatives, though fiercely opposed by teacher unions and civil-liberties groups, will allow minority students from poor urban areas to succeed educationally. Urban minority parents support school choice. If U.S. politicians and citizens truly believe in the right to life, liberty, and the freedom to better one's condition, they will allow such students to succeed. (SM) Descriptors: *Catholic Schools; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Minority Groups; Politics of Education; Private Education; *Private Schools; Public Education; Scholarships; *School Choice; Urban Education EJ580743 SP527299 Low-Income Scholarships on the Rise. Author: Steidler, Paul F. Availability: Journal Citation: Crisis in Educationp13 Feb 1998 Publication Date: 1998 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Viewpoints (120) Abstract: Low-income scholarships facilitate an immediate, cost-effective way for students to go to much better schools, providing leverage for public schools to undertake needed reforms to benefit disadvantaged students. The United States is one of the few countries that does not have a significant voucher or choice system, though support for choice programs is skyrocketing. (SM) Descriptors: Disadvantaged Youth; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Low Income Groups; *Politics of Education; Public Education; *Scholarships; *School Choice EJ580739 SP527295 Breaking the Public Schools' Monopoly. Author: Ball, William Bentley Availability: Journal Citation: Crisis in Educationp8-9 Feb 1998 Publication Date: 1998 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Viewpoints (120) Abstract: The National Education Association and other forces opposing a free market in education attack school choice as a threat to the nation. Many conservatives also embrace that opinion. One example is found in an article by Trowbridge entitled Devil's Deal. This paper analyzes Trowbridge's article, focusing on parental rights and government role in education. (SM) Descriptors: *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Government Role; Parent Rights; Politics of Education; Private Schools; Public Education; *Public Schools; *School Choice Identifiers: *National Education Association EJ578728 UD521170 When You Weigh the Evidence...Voucher Programs in Milwaukee and Cleveland. Author: Murphy, Dan Availability: Journal Citation: American Educator, v22 n3 p20-23,40-44 Fall 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0148-432X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJAUG1999 Abstract: Examines evidence from voucher programs in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) and Cleveland (Ohio) to show that voucher programs do not deliver what they promise. In both cities the programs have favored relatively advantaged students, leaving the most disadvantaged in the public school system with even fewer resources than the system had before. (SLD) Descriptors: *Disadvantaged Youth; Educational Finance; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Private School Aid; Private Schools; *Program Effectiveness; Public Schools; Resource Allocation; School Choice; *Urban Schools Identifiers: *Cleveland Public Schools OH; *Milwaukee Public Schools WI EJ573475 EA535046 Why I Don't Vouch for Vouchers. Author: Miner, Barbara Availability: Journal Citation: Educational Leadership, v56 n2 p40-42 Oct 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0013-1784 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN1999 Abstract: Voucher proposals raise disturbing questions about public information, equity, segregation, and state-church separation. Under Milwaukee's program, which gives poor students public vouchers to attend private and religious schools, participating schools are exempt from open meetings laws, teacher certification rules, statewide testing, and salary disclosures. Some parents use private schools to evade desegregation efforts. (MLH) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Educational Policy; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Equal Education; Parent Participation; Parochial Schools; Private Schools; *Racial Segregation; *State Church Separation; Teacher Certification Identifiers: *Wisconsin (Milwaukee) EJ573474 EA535045 Vouchers and Voodoo Economics. Author: Ramirez, Al Availability: Journal Citation: Educational Leadership, v56 n2 p36-39 Oct 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0013-1784 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN1999 Abstract: The magic of the marketplace is insufficient to guarantee a school voucher system's success or a public-school turnaround. Educators and policymakers must address practical issues such as accountability and instructional space needs. Vouchers may provide a life preserver for a few poor students, but open-market competition does nothing for youngsters left behind. (MLH) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Competition; *Cost Effectiveness; Economic Factors; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Facility Planning; Free Enterprise System; Misconceptions; Public Schools; *School Effectiveness; Student Needs; Transfer Policy; Transfer Students EJ569516 SP526923 No Child Should Be Left Behind. Working to Fix What is Broken in Public Schools. Author: Berg, John Leland Availability: Journal Citation: Teacher Education and Practice, v13 n2 p46-60 Fall-Win 1997 Publication Date: 1997 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR1999 Abstract: Refutes many of the arguments school voucher proponents employ to justify using government funds to support private schools, discussing why vouchers are bad for America, its children, and its schools, and making recommendations for what can be done to help fix what is wrong with struggling urban schools to the benefit of all children. (SM) Descriptors: Educational Finance; Educational Improvement; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Inner City; Parochial Schools; Politics of Education; Poverty; *Private Schools; Public Schools; School Choice; Urban Schools EJ569514 SP526921 Why School Choice Can Help Children in America's Inner Cities. Author: Shokraii, Nina H. Availability: Journal Citation: Teacher Education and Practice, v13 n2 p15-27 Fall-Win 1997 Publication Date: 1997 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--General (140) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR1999 Abstract: As public schools are failing inner-city children, school choice offers a promising solution. This paper presents research that shows how school choice (public, private, or parochial) has a positive effect on minority, inner city children, noting that school choice is the only reform mechanism that would offer schools immediate and measurable results. (SM) Descriptors: Educational Improvement; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Equal Education; *Inner City; Minority Group Children; Parochial Schools; Poverty; Private Schools; Public Schools; *School Choice; *Urban Schools EJ559484 EA534282 Public Schools: Make Them Private. Author: Friedman, Milton Availability: Journal Citation: Education Economics v5 n3 p341-44 Dec 1997 Publication Date: 1997-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0964-5292 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Viewpoints (120) Journal Announcement: CIJAUG1998 Abstract: A voucher system enabling parents to choose freely the schools their children attend is the most feasible way to improve education. Vouchers will encourage privatization. That will unleash the drive, imagination, and energy of competitive free enterprise to revolutionize the education process. Government schools will be forced to improve to retain their clientele. Everyone would benefit, especially central-city residents. (MLH) Descriptors: *Competition; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Free Enterprise System; *Private Schools; *Public Schools; *School Choice DocumentsED434961 UD033134Students for Sale: The Use of Public Money for Private Schooling. A Policy Brief. Author: Cortez, Albert; Supik, Josie; Romero, Anna Alicia; Goodman, Christie L. Institutional Author: Intercultural Development Research Association, San Antonio, TX.(BBB13478) Availability: Intercultural Development Research Association Institute for Policy and Leadership, 5835 Callaghan Road, Suite 350, San Antonio, TX 78228-1190 ($7). Tel: 210-684-8180; Fax: 210-684-5389; e-mail: contact@idra.org; Web site: http://www.idra.org . Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Pages: 47 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEMAR2000 Abstract: In 1997, conservative Texas lawmakers introduced a measure for a state-funded voucher program, which was to be limited to low-income students in the state's lowest performing schools. The real objective of the proposal was to set state precedents for state subsidies for private schools. This proposal never made it out of committee in the Texas Senate, but supporters promised to try again in 1999. This policy brief explores the use of vouchers and their effects. State courts have been inconsistent in rulings regarding the constitutionality of using public funds for private schools, which are not accountable to the public for their actions or results. In addition, diverting money for private schools takes money away from communities, resulting in higher taxes. Vouchers do not give parents a choice as much as they give private schools a choice about whom to accept. There is no extensive empirical evidence to support claims that vouchers, by creating competition, improve the quality of local public schools. In Texas, the private schools do not have the capacity to absorb large numbers of students. Vouchers give a new government subsidy to private schools and wealthy parents with children already in private schools. The Intercultural Development Research Association recommends that public monies be used solely for the support of public schools, and that all students should have access to community-based, equitably-funded, high-quality public schools. Schools that receive state tax monies should be subject to the admissions and reporting requirements applicable to public schools. (Contains 1 table, 3 graphs, and 50 references.) (SLD) Descriptors: Educational Finance; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Financial Support; Private School Aid; *Private Schools; *School Choice; *State Aid; State Legislation; Urban Schools Identifiers: *Texas Descriptive Terms: For other policy briefs, see UD 033 132 and UD 033 135-136. Geographic Source: U.S.; Texas ED425540 EA029517 Why Vouchers Won't Work: A Tool Kit for School Board Members. Author: Resnick, Michael A. Institutional Author: National School Boards Association, Alexandria, VA.(BBB23035) Availability: National School Boards Association, 1680 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; Tel: 800-706-6772 (Toll Free); Web site: http://www.nsba.org (Stock No. 11-120; $25). Publication Date: 1998 Language: English Pages: 79 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1999 Abstract: This guide is intended to help public school leaders sort through the arguments that voucher proponents advance, examining who supports vouchers, what kinds of voucher proposals are surfacing, and what arguments proponents typically offer in their campaigns. The text gives public-school advocates the tools to recognize and refute the fallacies that voucher advocates advance. It provides the background to vouchers, describing why vouchers receive so much attention in urban areas and the broader political underpinnings of the pro-voucher movement. Reasons to oppose vouchers, including the claims that they undermine the unique value of public education, waste taxpayers' dollars, and promote a divided America are likewise detailed. Suggestions for responding to pro-voucher arguments include contesting the assertion that taxpayers and public education will save money with vouchers. Tips for building a campaign against vouchers are provided, along with an overview of research on voucher programs, the success of public-school-choice programs, and the case against federal vouchers. Ten appendices offer an overview of current voucher projects, a list of national organizations opposing vouchers, a profile of private education, and other information. (RJM) Descriptors: Boards of Education; Educational Economics; Educational Finance; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Financial Policy; Public Schools; *School Choice; School Support Target Audience: Policymakers Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED412611 EA028668 What Really Matters in American Education. Institutional Author: Department of Education, Washington, DC. Office of the Secretary. Availability: Governmental Status: Federal Publication Date: 1997-09-23 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 17 Document Type: Viewpoints (120); Speeches, Conference Papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIEMAR1998 Abstract: Quality public schools are the foundation of a democracy and a free enterprise economic system. This paper, a transcript of the speech delivered by United States Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, offers data to support the following themes: (1) vouchers threaten the fundamental mission of public education; (2) a voucher program which served a substantial number of public school students would suffer from serious implementation problems related to private school's capacity and mission, and would violate basic principles of equity and a quality education for all students; (3) there are basic, unanswered questions about the benefits of vouchers and the comparative advantage of private schools for student learning; (4) fundamental improvements are needed in public schools; and (5) national and local indicators suggest that reforms are beginning to work. (Contains 29 references.) (LMI) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; Academic Standards; Access to Education; *Educational Improvement; Educational Quality; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Private Education; *Public Education; *School Choice Descriptive Terms: White Paper prepared for U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley for Speech at the National Press Club (Washington, DC, September 23, 1997). Level: 1 Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia |