The School Choice Hoax: Fixing America's Schools

The School Choice Hoax: Fixing America's Schools

by Ronald G. Corwin

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2739 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	256 pages

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School choice is a controversial topic in American education. Proponents argue that it gives parents more options and improves the quality of education for all students. Opponents argue that it undermines public education and exacerbates inequality. The debate has been going on for decades, and there is no easy answer. But it is an important debate to have, because the future of our education system depends on it.

What is school choice?

School choice is a broad term that refers to any policy that gives parents more options for where to send their children to school. This includes vouchers, charter schools, magnet schools, and homeschooling.

School choice policies have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to the National School Choice Foundation, more than 5 million students were enrolled in school choice programs in the 2018-19 school year. This is a significant increase from just a few years ago.

The arguments for school choice

Proponents of school choice argue that it gives parents more options and improves the quality of education for all students. They point to studies that show that students who attend school choice programs are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and earn higher incomes.

School choice advocates also argue that it promotes competition among schools. This, they say, leads to better teaching and learning. When schools have to compete for students, they are more likely to improve their quality.

The arguments against school choice

Opponents of school choice argue that it undermines public education and exacerbates inequality. They point to studies that show that school choice programs can lead to increased segregation and a decline in the quality of public schools.

Opponents of school choice also argue that it is unfair to give parents who can afford it more options for where to send their children to school. They say that this creates a two-tiered system of education, with the wealthy having access to better schools than the poor.

The evidence on school choice

The evidence on school choice is mixed. Some studies have shown that school choice programs can improve student outcomes, while others have shown that they can have negative consequences.

A 2020 study by the Center on Education Policy found that students who attended charter schools in New York City were more likely to graduate from high school and attend college than students who attended traditional public schools. However, the study also found that charter schools were more likely to serve students from wealthier families.

A 2019 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that students who used vouchers to attend private schools in Louisiana were more likely to attend college and earn higher incomes than students who attended public schools. However, the study also found that the voucher program led to increased segregation.

The future of school choice

The future of school choice is uncertain. The debate over school choice is likely to continue for many years to come. There is no easy answer to the question of whether or not school choice is a good thing. But it is an important debate to have, because the future of our education system depends on it.

School choice is a complex issue with no easy answers. There are valid arguments on both sides of the debate. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to support school choice is a personal one.

The School Choice Hoax: Fixing America's Schools

by Ronald G. Corwin

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2739 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	256 pages

FREE