This paper draws on the metaphor of the enclosure, a forceful reconfiguration of shared space that occurred in early modern Europe, as a model for describing the current drive for privatization of education. It examines the metaphors embedded in current school transformations and contrasts the conception of democracy held by current advocates of…

The effects of perceived educational quality and net institutional costs on the school choices of students from families at different income levels are revealed in a study of 8,818 full-time, resident college freshmen who had been accepted for admission to at least one public and one private institution. (PGD)

Differences in disciplinary climate, academic demands, and student behavior make a difference in student achievement in all American high schools. (Author)

Name of Bush Administration's choice game is publicly financed vouchers allowing those already sending their children to private and parochial schools to avoid tuition fees at taxpayer expense. Although private schools administer entrance exams, public schools accept every child regardless of academic record, status, or race. U.S. Senate recently…

The choice debate has seriously neglected an important variable: the welfare costs (between 50 to 80 cents per marginal dollar raised) associated with tax collection necessary to finance public schools. Once corrected for the omitted variable, the balance is swung unambiguously in favor of private schools, even when revenue-financed vouchers are…

Discusses the effect of school choice. Economic theory suggests it would change the profession dramatically. Findings from research on traditional school choice and charter schools indicate that enhanced competition and choice raise demands for high aptitude, math and science skills, subject area expertise, effort, and independence, creating an…

Argues that vouchers do not improve student achievement, hurt public schools, exclude many students, go to students who do not need them, and decrease accountability. Reform efforts should be directed to turning around failing public schools. (Contains 29 references.) (PKP)

The Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2002, which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, was intended to breathe new life into U.S. schools--to raise the achievement level of elementary and secondary schools and ensure that all children have equal access to a quality education. Signed into law by President George…

This fourth annual report by the Education Commission of the States (ECS) examines the status of efforts to improve the public education system. Nine sections provide overviews of major trends in policy and practice: (1) "Standards, Assessment and Accountability" explores the transition over the last decade toward a standards-based system by…

A literature review on the use of vouchers in American education is provided in this paper. The following issues are discussed with a focus on the degree of government involvement and school district role: community resource equalization, family power equalization, the use of vouchers, public options, and responses to voucher programs. Suggestions…

After describing the history of the educational voucher movement, this paper briefly discusses the various voucher models that have been proposed and considers some of the issues for and against the establishment of voucher systems. Tracing the voucher concept back to Adam Smith, Thomas Paine, and John Stuart Mill, the author notes that after the…

Any "choice" plan that promotes vouchers could weaken the public education system and lead to racial, economic, and social isolation of children. Further, letting parents choose their child's school will not qualitatively enhance parental involvement. Rather, increased parental participation should be promoted through the PTA, tutoring,…

For the past twenty years, federal and state education departments and school districts have been engaged in efforts that have touched every phase of public education. People have seen the emergence of the standards movement, "high-stake" testing, and an emphasis on school accountability. Requirements for those entering the teaching…

Debunks two fantasies: the feasibility of a free-market educational system and the idea that greater choice automatically means better schools. Public education is too labor-intensive and undercapitalized to be profitable. Communities need "skunk works" schools of choice to do research and development and smaller, collaboratively managed…

Governments restrict choice about what students learn within the public school system in the name of improved performance and accountability, but have simultaneously introduced choice among schools by enabling "exit" from the public system. Defenders of public education need to consider how public schools can provide citizens with…