|
Clearinghouse on Educational Policy and Management
|
| College of Education · University of Oregon |
|
Trends and Issues: School Choice
Research and AnalysisED465828 UD035030 What the Harvard/Mathematica Study Says about Vouchers and Low-Income African-American Students. Author: Johnson, Kirk A.; Kafer, Krista Institutional Author: Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC. Center for Data Analysis.(BBB35983) Availability: For full text: http://www.heritage.org/library/cda/pdf/CDA 02-03x.pdf. Publication Date: April 2002 Report Number: CDA02-03 Language: English Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIEDEC2002 Abstract: This report discusses how the School Choice Scholarships Foundation, a philanthropic, privately funded voucher program, selected students to receive vouchers and reviews the results of a study on vouchers and low-income, African-American students. New York City students were selected to receive the vouchers via a lottery. During the application and eligibility process, students took baseline achievement tests and parents completed questionnaires about their satisfaction with their children's current school, involvement with their children's schooling, and demographic characteristics. These data were used to assess the effectiveness of vouchers in raising student achievement. Results indicated that standardized reading and mathematics test scores for black students who had used their vouchers to attend private schools for 3 years were 9.2 percentile points higher than those of comparable black students who did not attend private schools. Overall test scores for black voucher recipients who attended private schools for at least 3 years were, on average, 7.6 percentile points higher than those of black students who never attended private schools. Parent satisfaction with their children's schools was higher among parents of voucher students. (SM) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; *Black Students; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Education; *Low Income Groups; Parent Attitudes; *School Choice; Scores; Urban Schools; Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia EJ642338 UD523487 Examining the Milwaukee Parent Choice Program: Options or Opportunities? Author: Lowe, Robert; Whipp, Joan Availability: Blackwell Publishers, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 781-388-8200; Fax: 781-388-8210; E-mail: subscrip@blackwellpub.com. Journal Citation: Educational Researcher, v31 n1 p33-49 Jan-Feb 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0013-189X Language: English Document Type: Book/product reviews (072); Journal articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL2002 Abstract: Reviews "The Market Approach to Education: An Analysis of America's First Voucher Program" (John Witte), which examines the Milwaukee Parent Choice Program (MPCP) and describes school voucher politics that have focused significant national attention on the MPCP since its inception. Suggests that the book understates the inadequacies of the MPCP and problems with finance and governance that sustain racial inequality. (SM) Descriptors: *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Equal Education; Minority Groups; Parent Participation; Poverty; Public Schools; Racial Discrimination; *School Choice Identifiers: Milwaukee Parental Choice Program WI ED462751 EA031605 When Schools Compete, How Do They Compete? An Assessment of Chile's Nationwide School Voucher Program. Occasional Paper. Author: Hsieh, Chang-Tai; Urquiola, Miguel Institutional Author: Columbia Univ., New York, NY. National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education.(BBB37022) Availability: National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, Box 181, 230 Thompson Hall, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027-6696. Tel: 212-678-3259; Web site: http://www.ncspe.org/. Sponsoring Agency: Smith Richardson Foundation, Inc., Greensboro, NC. (BBB00987) Publication Date: January 2002 Report Number: NCSPE-OP-43 Language: English Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIESEP2002 Abstract: In 1981, Chile introduced nationwide school choice by providing vouchers to any student wishing to attend private school. As a result, more than 1,000 private schools entered the market, and the private enrollment rate increased by 20 percentage points, with greater impacts in larger, more urban, and wealthier communities. Using differences across roughly 300 municipalities, this paper shows that the first-order effect of this program was increased sorting, as the "best" public-school students switched to the private sector. A simple method was used to make the more general point that if choice leads to sorting, then one cannot determine its impact on achievement solely by assessing whether public schools improve in response to competition or by measuring whether students benefit from attending private schools. Rather, one has to look at changes in aggregate outcomes in entire educational markets. Finally, using test scores, repetition rates, and grade for age as measures of achievement, no evidence was found that the large reallocation of students from public to private schools improved average educational performance in Chile. (Contains 48 references, 12 tables, and 12 figures.) (Author/RT) Descriptors: *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Enrollment Trends; Foreign Countries; Private Schools; Public Schools; *School Choice; School Demography Identifiers: *Chile Geographic Source: U.S.; New Jersey ED462515 UD034823 Cleveland School Vouchers: Where the Students Go. Author: Hanauer, Amy Institutional Author: Policy Matters Ohio, Cleveland.(BBB36798) Availability: For full text: http://www.policymattersohio.org. Publication Date: January 2002 Language: English Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2002 Abstract: This report examines data from an analysis of the Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program in 2001 and previous years that examined grade-by-grade enrollment of participating students by school. It notes that after 5 years, the Program has not made low-income, African American students attending Cleveland's struggling public schools its top priority. The voucher program has always consisted primarily of students attending religious schools, and in 2001, more than 99 percent of participating students were enrolled in religious schools. Only 21 percent of students receiving aid through the voucher program attended Cleveland public schools in the year prior to enrollment in the voucher program. Public schools that are losing high numbers of students to voucher schools are not among the low-performing city schools. Students who transfer out of public schools to enroll in voucher schools are more likely to have come from high-performing schools, magnet schools, or schools with high test scores. Students in the voucher program are less likely to be African American than students in the district at large. Voucher students come from households with similar income levels to those of households of students in the Cleveland public schools. (SM) Descriptors: Black Students; *Catholic Schools; Disadvantaged Youth; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Enrollment Trends; Inner City; Private Schools; Public Schools; *School Choice; Urban Schools Identifiers: African Americans; Cleveland Public Schools OH; *Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Grant Prog OH Descriptive Terms: For "Cleveland School Vouchers: Where the Students Come from," see ED 457 309. Geographic Source: U.S.; Ohio ED462502 UD034790 A Painful Price: How the Milwaukee Voucher Surcharge Undercuts Wisconsin's Education Priorities. Author: Neas, Ralph G.; Pathak, Arohi; Holmes, Dwight; Mincberg, Elliot Institutional Author: People for the American Way, Washington, DC.(BBB22035) Availability: For full text: http://www.pfaw.org/issues/education/reports/arizona/AZtaxcredits. pdf. Publication Date: February 14, 2002 Language: English Document Type: Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2002 Abstract: This paper suggests that Wisconsin taxpayers are being overcharged to pay for Milwaukee's private school voucher program, noting that this hefty surcharge is being paid legally due to a fundamental flaw in the voucher law. This surcharge is unique in that the voucher program pays private schools more than the price of tuition. Many groups oppose the voucher program for a variety of reasons, including its diversion of public tax dollars away from public schools and its weakening of the fundamental constitutional principle of separation between church and state. The surcharge appears to be worsening the existing budget crisis in the Milwaukee Public Schools, seriously impeding the state's ability to fund necessary programs. Trends suggest that the surcharge is likely to rise. The paper outlines some specific examples of how resources now being diverted could be better spent on public education, examining alternative education funding, special education funding, and school construction and renovation. It concludes that due to the surcharge, nearly $28 million was used over 2 years to pay private and religious schools over and above what private citizens or foundations would pay for the same services, suggesting that there is no justification for such a surcharge. Tables are appended. (Contains 48 endnotes.) (SM) Descriptors: *Educational Finance; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Private Schools; *School Choice; Tuition Identifiers: Milwaukee Parental Choice Program WI; *Milwaukee Public Schools WI; *State Taxes Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED462473 UD034749 Five Years and Counting: A Closer Look at the Cleveland Voucher Program. Author: Pathak, Arohi; Holmes, Dwight; Mincberg, Elliot; Neas, Ralph G. Institutional Author: People for the American Way, Washington, DC.(BBB22035) Availability: For full text: http://www.prichardcommittee.org. Publication Date: September 25, 2001 Language: English Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2002 Abstract: This report explores the Cleveland voucher program and its impact on Cleveland students, discussing the key questions that parents, the public, and policymakers are asking. It reviews how vouchers are funded, the actual cost of vouchers to taxpayers and the state, and what choices are really available to students whose families opt for vouchers. It addresses issues of equity and religious freedom, the level of accountability in voucher schools, and the most recent research on the impact of vouchers on student performance and achievement. The report concludes that the program has cost millions of dollars with no demonstrable impact on educational achievement. When the legislature launched the program, it funded the costs by depleting the very kind of aid that is specifically designed to help poor and at-risk public school students. The courts determined that nearly 40 percent of voucher students came from families above the poverty line, and one-third of all voucher students were already attending private schools. There is no credible evidence demonstrating that vouchers offer an academic advantage over public schools, and a recent state-commissioned evaluation showed that public school students made greater gains than voucher students over the 2 years of the study. (SM) Descriptors: Accountability; Disadvantaged Youth; Educational Finance; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Equal Education; Public Schools; *School Choice Identifiers: *Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Grant Prog OH; *Ohio (Cleveland); Religious Freedom Descriptive Terms: Produced by the People for the American Way Foundation. Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED462472 UD034748 Community Voice or Captive of the Right? A Closer Look at the Black Alliance for Educational Options. Author: Lasdon, Erica; Keys, Carol; Neas, Ralph G. Institutional Author: People for the American Way, Washington, DC.(BBB22035) Availability: For full text: http://www.pfaw.org/issues/education/vouchers/factsheets/BAEOReport1 201.pdf. Publication Date: December 25, 2001 Language: English Document Type: Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2002 Abstract: This report examines the activities, funding, and affiliations of the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), highlighting its promotion of school vouchers, affiliations of its leaders and board of directors, and history of its funders. The BAEO bills itself as a grassroots coalition of African American leaders, though it is bankrolled by several small foundations known better for supporting school privatization schemes and affirmative action rollbacks than empowering African Americans (the John Walton and the Walton Family Foundation, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, American Education Reform Council, and Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation). The BAEO board includes primarily African American voucher supporters, many of whom are high-profile advocates, such as Former Rep. Floyd Flake and right-wing radio host Armstrong Williams. The BAEO's recent powerful advertising campaign, which uses the language of the civil rights movement, appears to be part of the Right's campaign to re-cast the image of the voucher movement and build broader support for policies to undermine public education. Two appendices present contributors to the BAEO and recent facts about school vouchers. (SM) Descriptors: *Black Students; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; School Choice Identifiers: African Americans; Black Alliance for Educational Options Descriptive Terms: Produced by the People for the American Way Foundation. Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED460198 UD034648 Public Debates, Private Choices. Author: Reid, Karla Scoon; Johnson, Robert C. Institutional Author: Editorial Projects in Education, Inc., Washington, DC.(BBB29716) Availability: For full text: http://www.edweek.org/ew/newstory.cfm?slug=14intro.h21. Journal Citation: Education Week, v21 n14 Dec 5 2002 Sponsoring Agency: Ford Foundation, New York, NY. (QPX27000) Publication Date: December 05, 2001 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2002 Abstract: This collection of articles on school choice profiles five Hispanic and Black families who were not willing to wait for promised improvements in local schools. The articles begin with a discussion of minority parents who are quietly embracing school choice, examining their restlessness with the public schools, the charter school push, mixed public opinion, the generation gap in opinions about charter schools, and challenges with school choice. The five family stories focus on one family's satisfaction with the amount of personal attention provided by their charter school; one family's opportunity to leave a failing public school; the spiritual and moral foundation provided to one family by their charter school; one black family's decision to exercise their options and find a private school where their children would be exposed to racial and ethnic diversity every day; and one mother's efforts to reconcile her family's long-term commitment to public education with her passion for school choice. (SM) Descriptors: Black Students; Charter Schools; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Hispanic American Students; Minority Groups; *Parent Participation; Private Schools; Public Schools; *School Choice Identifiers: African Americans; Latinos Descriptive Terms: Theme issue. Published weekly. Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED460175 UD034614 School Vouchers: Examining the Evidence. Author: Carnoy, Martin Institutional Author: Economic Policy Inst., Washington, DC.(BBB25681) Availability: Economic Policy Institute, 1660 L Street, N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-775-8810. For full text: http://www.epinet.org. Publication Date: 2001 ISBN: BN- 0-944826-94-6; Language: English Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2002 Abstract: This study reviews recent empirical research on the effect of school vouchers on student achievement (particularly for low-income minorities attending private schools) and the effect of the threat of vouchers on low-performing public schools. The study examines the Milwaukee voucher experiment, the Cleveland voucher program, and new voucher research. Research on the voucher programs in Cleveland and Milwaukee indicate that for African American students these programs have little or no positive effect on their academic achievement. Research from Dayton, Ohio, New York, New York, and Washington, D.C. shows no significant test score gains for Hispanic and White voucher students but statistically significant gains for African American students. However, several methodological issues make these comparisons of achievement problematic. Findings that the threat of vouchers for students in failing public school caused math and writing gains among Florida's lowest-performing schools to increase significantly more than gains of higher-performing schools are plagued by methodological problems. Three papers are appended: "What Caused the Effects of the Florida A+ Program: Ratings or Vouchers?" (Doug Harris); "Replication of Jay Greene's Voucher Effect Study Using Texas Performance Data" (Amanda Brownson); and "Replication of Jay Greene's Voucher Effect Study Using North Carolina Data" (Helen F. Ladd and Elizabeth J. Glennie). (Contains 33 endnotes and 29 references.) (SM) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; Black Students; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Hispanic American Students; Low Income Groups; Minority Group Children; Private Schools; Program Effectiveness; Public Schools; *School Choice Identifiers: African Americans; District of Columbia; Latinos; New York (New York); Ohio (Cleveland); Ohio (Dayton); Texas; Wisconsin (Milwaukee) Descriptive Terms: Former title: Do School Vouchers Improve Student Performance? Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED457272 UD034412 Results of a School Voucher Experiment: The Case of Washington, D.C. after Two Years. Author: Wolf, Patrick J.; Peterson, Paul E.; West, Martin R. Institutional Author: Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA. Kennedy School of Government.(BBB16920); Georgetown Univ., Washington, DC.(FGK28425) Availability: Taubman 306, Kennedy School of Government, 79 J.F.K. Street, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138. Tel: 617-495-7976; Tel: 617-495-8312; Fax: 617-496-4428; Web site: http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/pepg/. Publication Date: August 2001 Report Number: PEPG/01-05 Language: English Pages: 69 Document Type: Numerical/Quantitative Data (110); Reports--Research (143); Speeches/meeting papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB2002 Abstract: In fall 1997, the Washington Scholarship Fund expanded its privately funded school voucher program in Washington, D.C., and in 1998, over 1,000 students were offered scholarships by lottery. This evaluation examined the impact of the first 2 years of the program on students who completed baseline testing and were in grades 1-7 in spring 1998. It estimated the program's impact on student test scores in reading, math, and combined achievement as well as other educational and social outcomes, as reported by parents and students. Overall, parents of students in private schools were much more satisfied with their children's schools. According to the parents who received scholarships, no child was refused admission to a preferred school for religious considerations. Home-school communications were much more extensive, classes were smaller, and students were expected to do more homework in private schools. Academic quality was the main reason public and private school parents chose their schools. Parents of students in public schools were much more likely than private school parents to report that their schools have a variety of special programs and facilities. Two years after changing schools, African American students of all ages attending private schools significantly outperformed their peers in combined reading and mathematics achievement. The adjustment problems experienced by older voucher students during the first year in private schools attenuated markedly. In general, individuals who used their scholarships came from more financially and educationally advantaged families than those who did not. (Contains 18 tables.) (SM) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; Black Students; Educational Testing; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary School Mathematics; Elementary Secondary Education; Parent Attitudes; Private School Aid; Private Schools; Program Evaluation; Public Schools; Reading; Scholarships; *School Choice; Student Attitudes; Urban Schools Identifiers: African Americans; *District of Columbia Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association (San Francisco, CA, August 30-September 2, 2001). For the first year evaluation, see ED 443 138. Geographic Source: U.S.; Massachusetts EJ580912 UD521309 A Question of Capacity. Author: Carter, Samuel Casey Availability: Journal Citation: Policy Reviewn93 p43-46 Jan-Feb 1999 Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (142) Abstract: Discusses the availability of private-school seating for privately funded vouchers for low-income children in the inner city. Existing capacity of private and parochial schools in the inner city meets present demand. However, voucher programs need to include space costs and growth requirements. (MMU) Descriptors: Disadvantaged; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Private Financial Support; *Private Schools; *School Choice; *School Space; Urban Schools; Urban Youth EJ580911 UD521308 A Choice for the Chosen. Author: Rabkin, Jeremy Availability: Journal Citation: Policy Reviewn93 p37-40 Jan-Feb 1999 Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (141) Abstract: Examines reasons for opposition to school-choice programs by the American Jewish Congress and the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai Brith. There is skepticism that more Jewish families would send their children to separate schools, and there is concern that government aid would foster a more religious tone in the country. Suggests that these assumptions are misplaced in contemporary United States. (MMU) Descriptors: *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Jews; *Private Schools; Religious Factors; *School Choice Identifiers: American Jewish Congress; Anti Defamation League; Jewish Day Schools EJ580910 UD521307 Paying the Piper. Author: Loconte, Joe Availability: Journal Citation: Policy Reviewn93 p30-36 Jan-Feb 1999 Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (141) Abstract: Examines the question of exemption from religious instruction or activities in voucher programs in private religious schools. Much concern relates to the program's admissions policy, part of which involves using the lottery if there are too many applicants. This could compromise a school's religious teachings. (MMU) Descriptors: Admission Criteria; *Educational Vouchers; *Parochial Schools; Private Schools; *Religious Education; *School Choice EJ580909 UD521306 Sending Public School Students to Private Schools. Author: Fox, Jonathan Availability: Journal Citation: Policy Reviewn93 p25-29 Jan-Feb 1999 Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (141) Abstract: Public schools often contract with private schools to meet the needs of special-education students. When disagreement exists about placement, parents can forego the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) placement process in exchange for private education which is only partially subsidized by the government. Vouchers would provide greater choice of programs. (MMU) Descriptors: Educational Cooperation; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Private Schools; *Public Schools; *School Choice; *Special Education; *Special Needs Students Identifiers: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act EJ580907 UD521304 Public School Benefits of Private School Vouchers. Author: Rees, Nina Shokraii Availability: Journal Citation: Policy Reviewn93 p16-19 Jan-Feb 1999 Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (143) Abstract: Research findings show public schools benefit from private-school vouchers. Competition is good for learning. When public schools are faced with the possibility of large student transfers and a corresponding loss of funding, the schools make improvements both in how and what they teach. (MMU) Descriptors: Competition; *Educational Improvement; *Educational Vouchers; *Private School Aid; *Public Schools; *School Choice Identifiers: New York (Albany); Texas (Houston); Wisconsin (Milwaukee) EJ570840 RC512765 A Research Analysis of Pre-School Provision in the Market Place. Author: Brown, Sally; Stephen, Christine; Low, Lesley Availability: Journal Citation: Scottish Educational Review, v30 n1 p4-14 May 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0141-9072 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR1999 Abstract: In 1996, a voucher scheme was introduced to promote educational provision for preschool children in Scotland. Qualitative and quantitative explorations of the views of parents and providers describe the workings of the educational "market" when one of the competing sectors (public sector) had a substantial monopoly power over the others (private and voluntary sectors). (Author/SV) Descriptors: Competition; *Educational Supply; *Educational Vouchers; Foreign Countries; Free Enterprise System; *Parent Attitudes; Parent Participation; *Preschool Education; Private Education; Public Education; *School Choice Identifiers: *Scotland EJ559098 UD520502 Considering Nontraditional Alternatives: Charters, Private Contracts, and Vouchers. Author: Koppich, Julia E. Availability: Journal Citation: Future of Children v7 n3 p96-111 Win 1997 Publication Date: 1997-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-1054-8289 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL1998 Abstract: Summarizes the legal status, implementation status, and controversies concerning charter schools, contracts between private educational organizations and public schools, and publicly funded vouchers. Few empirical data are available to make sound judgments regarding the efficacy of any of these reforms, and all face formidable challenges in practice or in the courts. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Court Litigation; Educational Change; *Educational Finance; Educational Vouchers; Effective Schools Research; Elementary Secondary Education; *Nontraditional Education; *Privatization; Public Schools; School Effectiveness; *School Restructuring Identifiers: *Reform Efforts Descriptive Terms: Theme issue titled Financing Schools. EJ553200 UD520276 Parent Involvement and School Choice: Exit and Voice in Public Schools. Author: Ogawa, Rodney T.; Dutton, Jo Sargent Availability: Journal Citation: Urban Education v32 n3 p333-53 Sep 1997 Publication Date: 1997-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0042-0859 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (143) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR1998 Abstract: Applies Hirschman's concepts of satisfaction, voice, and valuing product quality to study parents' attitudes towards three forms of school choice: intradistrict options, interdistrict transfers, and public/private school vouchers. Responses from 1,832 parents reveals three different patterns, including the finding that parents seeking interdistrict transfers were the least satisfied with their children's schools. (GR) Descriptors: Comparative Analysis; Educational Research; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Parent Attitudes; *Parent Participation; *Parent School Relationship; *Politics of Education; Private Schools; *Public Schools; *School Choice; Urban Schools Identifiers: Hirschman (Albert) Descriptive Terms: Research supported by the California Educational Research Cooperative of the School of Education, University of California, Riverside. EJ552834 RC512225 An Inter-Interview: SKOLE Staff Members Interview Jonathan Kozol and Jonathan Kozol Interviews Us. Availability: Journal Citation: SKOLE: The Journal of Alternative Education v14 n3 p1-15 Sum 1997 Publication Date: 1997-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-1056-9197 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Viewpoints (120) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR1998 Abstract: Discusses the dilemma of losing concerned parents as advocates for better public schools when they choose alternative schools, the pros and cons of vouchers, and the free market's effect on public education. A discussion of Mr. Rogers, Dr. Spock, Sesame Street, and various nuns and monks highlights characteristics that are valuable in working with children. (TD) Descriptors: *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Education; Free Enterprise System; Free Schools; *Home Schooling; Interviews; Lifelong Learning; *Nontraditional Education; *Parent School Relationship; Parent Student Relationship; Public Education; Reminiscence; *School Choice; *Teacher Student Relationship Identifiers: *Kozol (Jonathan); Rogers (Fred) EJ551992 EA533891 School Choice as Education Reform. Author: Goldhaber, Dan D. Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan v79 n2 p143-47 Oct 1997 Publication Date: 1997-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (142) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR1998 Abstract: Proponents of public/private school choice assume that private schools are more efficient and that parents can distinguish between schools of differing quality and select schools that perform well. A study based on the 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study data shows that private schools are no more efficient in using educational resources than public schools. Upper income families will benefit from voucher programs. (15 references) (MLH) Descriptors: *Educational Vouchers; *Efficiency; Elementary Secondary Education; *Private Schools; *Public Schools; *School Choice; School Effectiveness Identifiers: National Education Longitudinal Study 1988 EJ548405 UD520043 Measuring Catholic School Performance. Author: Neal, Derek Availability: Journal Citation: Public Interest n127 p81-87 Spr 1997 Publication Date: 1997-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0033-3557 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Viewpoints (120) Journal Announcement: CIJDEC1997 Abstract: Examines explanations for Catholic schools succeeding in communities where public schools fail. Discusses the differences in student makeup positively influencing graduation rates in Catholic and private schools and how this might be altered if a voucher system is implemented. (GR) Descriptors: *Catholic Schools; Comparative Analysis; Educational Environment; Educational Vouchers; Inner City; Private Schools; *Public Schools; *School Effectiveness; Secondary Education; *Urban Schools Identifiers: *Graduation Rates Descriptive Terms: For related document, see UD 520 044. ED426473 EA029567 Learning from School Choice. Author: Peterson, Paul E., Ed.; Hassel, Bryan C., Ed. Institutional Author: Brookings Institution, Washington, DC.(BBB01336) Availability: Brookings Institution Press, 1775 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20036 (hardcover: ISBN-0-8157-7016-2; paperback: ISBN-0-8167-7015-4). Publication Date: 1998 ISBN: 0-8157-7016-2 Language: English Pages: 442 Document Type: Book (010); Collected works--Proceedings (021); Numerical/Quantitative Data (110) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1999 Abstract: This volume contains revised versions of 16 essays presented at a conference, "Rethinking School Governance," hosted by Harvard's Program on Education Policy and Governance in June 1997. Part 1, "Introduction," contains two chapters: (1) "School Choice: A Report Card" (Paul E. Peterson); and (2) "The Case for Charter Schools" (Bryan C. Hassel). Part 2, "School Choice and School Reform," contains three chapters: (3) "Governance and Educational Quality" (John E. Brandl); (4) "Civic Values in Public and Private Schools (Jay P. Green); and (5) "Policy Churn and the Plight of Urban School Reform" (Frederick M. Hess). Part 3, "Public School Choice," contains five chapters: (6) "Analyzing School Choice Reforms That Use America's Traditional Forms of Parental Choice" (Caroline M. Hoxby); (7) "Interdistrict Choice in Massachusetts" (David L. Armour and Brett M. Peiser); (8) "Charter Schools as Seen by Students, Teachers, and Parents" (Gregg Vanourek, Bruno V. Manno, Chester E. Finn, Jr., and Louann A. Bierlein); (9) "The Performance of Privately Managed Schools: An Early Look at the Edison Project" (John E. Chubb); and (10) "Charter Schools: Politics and Practice in Four States" (Bryan C. Hassel). Part 4, "Vouchers for Private Schools," contains four chapters: (11) "Comparing Public Choice and Private Voucher Programs in San Antonio" (R. Kenneth Godwin, Frank P. Kemerer, and Valerie J. Martinez); (12) "Evidence from the Indianapolis Voucher Program" (David J. Weinschrott and Sally B. Kilgore); (13) "School Choice in Milwaukee: A Randomized Experiment" (Jay P. Greene, Paul E. Peterson, Jiangtao Du); and (14) "Lessons from the Cleveland Scholarship Program" (Jay P. Greene, William G. Howell, and Paul E. Peterson). Part 5, "Constitutional Issues," contains two chapters: (15) "Why Parents Should Choose" (Stephen G. Gilles); and (16) "School Choice and State Constitutional Law" (Joseph P. Viteritti). (Contains 112 tables and 23 figures.) (RIB) Descriptors: *Administration; Charter Schools; *Educational Policy; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; Public Schools; *School Choice; *School Organization; Tables (Data) Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED416271 UD032132 School Choice and Urban School Reform. Urban Diversity Series No. 110. Author: Cookson, Peter W., Jr.; Shroff, Sonali M. Institutional Author: ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education, New York, NY. Availability: ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education, 525 West 120th Street, Box 40, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027; phone: 800-601-4868; fax: 212-678-4012; e-mail: eric-cue@columbia.edu Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. Publication Date: 1997-12-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC03 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 52 Document Type: Information Analyses (071); Reports (142) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1998 Abstract: This monograph explores issues related to school choice by examining available evidence for the success of choice plans. It begins with an overview of the choice movement and then describes several specific plans that illustrate the various plan types. It concludes with an appraisal of how choice will change and shape urban school reform in the future and some recommendations for increasing the equity of choice programs. The following types of plans are considered: (1) intradistrict choice; (2) interdistrict choice; (3) intrasectional choice; (4) intersectional choice; (5) controlled choice; (6) magnet schools; (7) postsecondary options; (8) second-chance options; (9) charter schools; (10) workplace training; (11) voucher plans; and (12) tuition tax credits. Some examples of choice in action are described. In Minnesota, all public schools are open to all students throughout the state if there is room and transfer does not harm racial integration efforts. New York City has a city-wide choice plan. In Massachusetts, choice has been a means to achieve racial and ethnic balance in the schools through controlled choice plans. Voucher plans have been implemented in several cities, most notably Milwaukee (Wisconsin). School choice clearly provides students with opportunities that might not otherwise exist, but it is just as clearly not a magic bullet for educational equity. (Contains 31 references.) (SLD) Descriptors: Desegregation Plans; *Educational Change; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Equal Education; *Free Choice Transfer Programs; Magnet Schools; Postsecondary Education; Public Schools; Racial Balance; *School Choice; School Restructuring; Tuition; *Urban Schools; Urban Youth Identifiers: *Controlled Choice Level: 1 Contract Number: RR93002016 Geographic Source: U.S.; New York ED414654 EA028842 What's To Negotiate? Interaction in the Absence of Dialogue: The Battle over Vouchers and Charter Schools. Author: Fusarelli, Lance D. Availability: Publication Date: 1997-10-31 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 49 Document Type: Reports (143); Speeches, Conference Papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1998 Abstract: Research suggests that policy change can best be understood as the product of competition among advocacy coalitions within the constraints of a policy subsystem (Sabatier and Jenkins-Smith, 1993). This paper presents findings of a study that examined the rhetoric of policy change in Texas utilizing the voucher and charter-schools movements as an illustrative case study. Data sources included newspapers, journals, official documents, congressional testimony, and transcripts. The paper concludes that the battle over vouchers and charter schools in Texas may be viewed as a series of political maneuvers over the creation of meaning: the construction of beliefs about events, policies, leaders, problems, and crises that rationalize or challenge existing inequalities. Charter-school legislation in 1995 was successful because the rhetorical scope of the conflict was narrow. The major political advantage of charter schools is that they occupy something of a middle ground between the public education system as it is currently structured on the one hand and a voucher system on the other hand (Sauter 1993). Because charter schools stay within the realm of the public sphere, charter schools were more politically palatable to a legislature committed to educational reform. However, the scope of the conflict over vouchers was much larger and thus less easily controlled by any single group. The broader scope encompassed such issues as inclusion/exclusion and conflict between the public and private spheres. Issues of class, ethnicity, and inequality which were largely excluded from the dialogue on charter schools could not be excluded from the dialogue on school vouchers. (Contains 103 references). (LMI) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Legislation; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Ideology; *Policy Analysis; *Policy Formation; Politics of Education; Race; School Choice; Social Class; State Legislation Identifiers: *Political Rhetoric; Special Interest Groups; *Texas Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the University Council for Educational Administration (Orlando, FL, October 1997). Level: 1 Geographic Source: U.S.; Texas ED412320 UD031945 School Choice Programs: What's Happening in the States, 1997. Author: Hanks, Dorothy B. Institutional Author: Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC. Availability: Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC 20002-4999; http://www.heritage.org ($7, plus $3 shipping). Publication Date: 1997-00-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 93 Document Type: Reports (142) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB1998 Abstract: In 1996, many states took action to give parents greater control over the education of their children. Many local school boards adopted initiatives to give parents educational choice and the ability to use vouchers to help pay tuition costs at schools of their choice. Over 200 new charter schools opened in 17 states, and an additional 6 states and the District of Columbia enacted charter school laws. As the news about school choice spread, 43 of the nation's governors supported some type of choice in education in 1996. In addition, advocates of publicly funded voucher programs praised the results of two studies of the efficacy of the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) school choice plan. It is probable that 1996 will prove to be the year that paved the way for advances in school choice in 1997 and beyond. This report presents state-by-state analyses that provide snapshots of the status of each state's progress toward school choice and charter schools through December 1996. The state profiles include average enrollments, per pupil expenditures, pupil/teacher ratios, graduation rates, and academic and college test score rankings. Each summary contains information on the state's education statistics, an overview of its educational reform efforts, and an analysis of recent developments in school choice and charter schools, as well as a review of the governor's position on market-based reforms and a list of state and local contacts. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Free Choice Transfer Programs; Minority Groups; Nontraditional Education; Private School Aid; *School Choice; School Restructuring; State Legislation; *State Programs; Tax Credits; Tuition; *Urban Schools Descriptive Terms: For the 1995 edition, see ED 411 330. Level: 1 Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia |