In this memo, we synthesize information collected recently in two private school surveys, one conducted by the U.S. Department of Education and another by the Friedman Foundation and the Idaho Federation of Independent Schools (IDFIS). After a brief description of the data sources, we present the key survey findings in two sections.

This book reveals that, far from being the result of a groundswell of support for parental choice in American education, the origins of school vouchers are seated in identity politics, religious schooling, and educational entrepreneurship. As the most radical form of "school choice," vouchers remain controversial in education today. The U.S.…

The author reviews the progress made by the Catholic lobby in the 95th Congress toward a tuition tax credit law, noting publicity efforts, opposition groups, and plans for continuing the campaign in the 96th Congress. (SJL)

Describes how an archdiocesan education foundation developed a program promoting school choice for low-income Milwaukee families. Tuition grants provide access to alternative educational opportunities through the support of businesses and foundations. (LWL)

This article is adapted from a memorandum prepared by the head of an independent school for the education and compensation committees of the school's board of trustees. Presented in question-and-answer format, it reflects primarily a faculty point of view. (Author/SJL)

Describes examples of financial incentives used to recruit teachers for low-achieving and hard-to-staff schools. Includes targeted salary increases, housing incentives, tuition assistance, and tax credits. (PKP)

This paper presents a proposal for a modified school choice program that may serve as a public policy compromise to the current politicized and entrenched choice or no-choice positions. The Three Year-Three Step Performance Guarantee involves both choice and vouchers. The use of vouchers, however, is not directed at reforming schools, but at…

This paper examines arguments in favor of and against the use of educational vouchers as an alternative educational system. A review of literature concludes that some problems to be addressed include religion, ethnic equity, finance allocation, and transportation. It is argued that the free market creates competition, but not equal opportunity.…

A key public policy question regarding educational vouchers is: Who has the right to spend the huge sums of money involved--those who provide public education, or the students who "consume" it? Describes the Milwaukee and the Cleveland programs, the legal challenges in which they are involved, and the supporters and opponents of voucher plans. A…

Educational vouchers are the most controversial of numerous school-choice alternatives. This ERIC Digest in Spanish provides some background on the topic and discusses the support educational vouchers has received, as well as arguments for and against vouchers. The digest supplies information concerning the degree of success for voucher programs…

Educational vouchers are the most controversial of numerous school-choice alternatives. This ERIC Digest provides some background on the topic and discusses the support that educational vouchers has received, as well as arguments for and against vouchers. The digest supplies information concerning the degree of success for voucher programs and…

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)

This handbook summarizes the probable effects of California's school-voucher initiative on public spending for K-12 education. The Parental Choice in Education Initiative (Proposition 174) was rejected by voters in the November 2, 1993, election. It sought to establish a system of annual vouchers, funded by public tax dollars, that elementary and…

Explores how school administrators can provide a quality Catholic education for all families without depleting the parish's limited financial resources. Describes a phase-in process for a parish tuition assistance program as a new model for implementing change. (VWC)

Since 1978, the Diocese of Oakland, California, has operated the Family Aid-Catholic Education (FACE) program, which raises funds from local businesses and philanthropic organizations to provide partial tuition assistance to deserving low income families and to offer supplemental funding for innovative programing to inner-city Catholic schools.…