Investigated gendered dimensions of parental involvement in charter schools, analyzing how parent-teacher interactions were reframed in the context of school choice. Overall, in a context where parents must both produce and consume new educational programs, parents involved in ongoing charter schools may be seen as stepping out of their roles as…

Political theorists have long argued that the average citizen's lack of information and lack of clear policy preferences provide the rationale for public policy to be guided by experts and elites. Others counter that it is precisely the practice of deference to elites that perpetuates and even exacerbates the problem of apathetic and uninformed…

This study draws on in-depth interview data to discuss the school choices and educational advocacy roles of 14 African-American mothers. The narratives of the study's participants, who have low-income or working-class status, show how race, class and gender factors influence their school choice-making and their value of education. The author…

This document synthesizes the critical issues discussed at a symposium designed to examine strategies that social institutions, particularly child care and early education institutions, can use to bolster parent and family effectiveness in providing healthy environments for children. First, the document describes four dimensions of parent choice:…

A plan to promote parental school choice, namely, the Cambridge Controlled Choice School Desegregation Plan, is described in this report. The introduction presents a definition and the history of school choice, and the second chapter offers a program description of the community context, an overview of the public school situation in Cambridge,…

In recent years, many policy makers, including officials in the Federal Government and the National Governors' Association, have advocated public school choice as the answer to the problems of public education. In 1987, Minnesota was the first state to pass legislation implementing a statewide, interdistrict, open enrollment plan for public…

How can communities encourage the development of good school alternatives harnessed to solid public oversight? Do charter or voucher schools face particular accountability challenges? What do parents need if they are to make sound choices? In particular, what do the poorest parents need? How do advocates of more school choice deal with the…

The policies and practices that shape magnet schools are examined, and the meaning and importance of magnet schools are explored. The chapters are: (1) "School Choice in the Public Arena"; (2) "The Context of Magnet Schools: The Policies and Politics of Desegregation in Cincinnati and St. Louis"; (3) "Magnet Schools and the Social Context of…

According to the 1997 Phi Delta Kappan poll, the public believes that providing more computers, relocating "troublemakers," establishing national standards, and expanding school choice would help improve student achievement. Three factors influence school success: strong parental support, adequate funding, and cooperative students. Lack…

School choice can revitalize school programs by giving teachers the freedom to be creative and by breaking down the barriers of segregation. However, choice can create new kinds of inequalities and can lull people into believing educational problems are solved. Cites successful school choice plans. (MLF)

Since the passage of the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001" (NCLB), the evidence that it is working has continued to grow. Because of this law, teachers and parents are getting the information and help they need to help every child reach his or her best in school--and as a result, student achievement is rising across America. While…

Designed to aid school personnel considering school choice as a possible desegregation method, this booklet explains the principles of controlled choice, presents an overall plan and flow chart, and reviews the types of organizations that might be developed. Controlled choice is a desegregation method that is voluntary, empowers parents and school…

Magnet schools remain the most widespread form of school choice. This paper explores the relationship between parents' reasons for choice and their level of satisfaction and involvement with their chosen magnet school. The study involved 18 elementary magnet schools in 2 large urban school districts. A survey was sent to all parents with…

This report suggests that organized opponents of tax-supported school vouchers purposely issue inaccurate statements about parental school choice, suggesting that their widespread efforts seriously contaminate discussion of this policy issue. Section one suggests that a "big lie" strategy is being used by organized school voucher…

Despite their limitations, early evaluations of voucher programs provided program operators and evaluation teams with opportunities to learn the problems accompanying the study of school vouchers. Subsequent voucher programs in Dayton (Ohio), New York, and Washington, D.C., were designed to allow for the collection of high-quality information…