Hypothesizes that a student assignment plan, such as that approved for Boston (Massachusetts), can be an effective method of using school choice to achieve both educational quality and racial balance. Urges the federal government to increase funds for demonstration planning projects and comparative studies to test the plan's effectiveness. (FMW)

Existing choice plans, which allow parents and students to choose among a variety of schools, vary dramatically in size, shape, and purpose. Different types of choice programs have different impacts, especially on low-income and minority group students; and it is not yet clear how school choice programs should be structured to assure that those…

Considers three factors largely ignored in simple market models of educational choice. Religious faith and discipline play an integral part in both the choosing families and the subsequent school environments. Participating families remain in the middle and upper classes. Participating schools can, and do, refuse students. (MJP)

Reveals that, among a low-income Latino population, parents who participate in school choice programs share significant characteristics. These include mother's education, high parental involvement, and higher education expectations. Characteristics remained the same for parents choosing private or public schools. (MJP)

Criticizes the school choice proponents' belief that exiting students would result in schools upgrading their services to remain competitive. Contends that school choice programs create less than 1% exit from public schools. Asserts that voucher programs only help the families of students already enrolled in private schools. (MJP)