This paper provides an overview of the controversy concerning "freedom of choice" desegregation plans and presents a case study of the plan adopted by Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1981. Following the introduction, a short explanation of the plan's distinctive feature, controlled open enrollment, is given. (Under controlled open…

Participants at an issues clarification working session concerning open enrollment for students with disabilities identified three kinds of issues for districts and students: outcome, implementation, and demographic. Participants expressed concerns in the areas of pupil benefit, parent involvement (or convenience), teacher/administrator job…

This update provides an overview of school-choice models and issues as they were defined in 1992. It describes how intra- and inter-district programs work and the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of a choice plan. Tensions in the choice debate center around the issues of diversity versus commonality, competition versus efficiency, and…

Describes an open enrollment program at Ohio County Schools (West Virginia) that allows parents to request transfers for their children. After a decade of experience, the program is judged as minimally disruptive. School choice seems to be based on child care considerations, rather than quality of education concerns. (MLH)

This publication is the first in a series of reports that examine policy issues in education. It looks at the four major forms of school choice--charter schools, open enrollment, home schooling, and vouchers--and how they are changing the landscape of public education. School choice is one of the fastest-growing innovations in public education,…

Identifies some of the pressures that have led to a growing public interest in vouchers and describes how some districts have utilized public choice models of education in response to these pressures. (Author/JM)

Based on findings of school-choice efforts in the Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, concludes that this reform experiment should be abandoned, because of controversy involving competition for district resources, differential perceptions of parent satisfaction, and inequitable opportunities for parents to exercise school-choice options.…

As interest in expanding the number of high quality charter schools available to parents and students has grown, policy makers have increased their focus on identifying and providing support to new charter programs that have the potential to improve student outcomes and satisfy parent and student needs. Since 1994, the U.S. Department of Education…

The kinds of school choice programs and the processes by which they became legalized in Minnesota are discussed in this paper. The first part reviews reasons for restructuring American schools. The second part describes how the Minnesota education system moved changed in the following areas: from a single delivery system to community education;…

The three principal choices in primary and secondary education include home schooling, attendance at private schools, and attendance at public schools nearest the home. However, parents feel that more options are necessary, due to the inadequacy of particular public schools or the need for educational programs not offered in public schools. Thus,…

Survey of parents and guardians of 911 North Dakota students applying for open enrollment found that general education, family convenience, proximity, and school atmosphere/values/philosophy were the most important reasons for choosing a district outside their home district. Responders' educational level and income were higher than those of the…

This report completes phase 1 of a study of the school choice issue, by summarizing information regarding school choice options currently proposed or implemented in Virginia and other states. Methodology involved: (1) a survey of 127 out of 135 total school divisions; (2) a literature review; (3) interviews with school division personnel, other…

The consideration of school choice plans raises policy questions for school administrators. This paper addresses pragmatic concerns about definitions and policy questions related to educational finance. Interdistrict choice, emphasizing families' right to choose among existing public schools, raises questions regarding transportation and…

Discusses background, rationale, and current trends in school choice. Where implemented carefully with parent participation, choice plans have increased public support and student achievement and provided curriculum differentiation, cohesiveness, autonomy, and small size as benefits. However, school choice raises some equity problems, including…

A sweeping parental choice bill passed recently in Minnesota spearheaded parental choice plans recently passed or under consideration in more than a dozen states. Explores the background and pros and cons of parental choice. (MLF)