Explains issues involved in establishing "charter schools," public schools set up by outside educators or others under a contract granted by some responsible public body. Elements of the Minnesota charter law are discussed. The idea of alternate sponsorship is critical to new and better ways of education. (SLD)

This interview recounts one parent's school choice in a controlled choice system that is designed to bring about racial balance. The African-American mother interviewed chose to return her children to a city school because she felt that the suburban school they had been attending was racially biased. (SLD)

Massachusetts' public education system has a long history of excellence and high regard. Recently, a declining economy, changed demographics, and a conservative government have placed the commonwealth's schools in crisis. This article describes recent state educational reforms, particularly funding and programmatic initiatives, highlighting 1985…

Surveys urban school principals about desirable alternative education programs for low-achieving students, and identifies schools and programs that have been effective in promoting educational excellence in this population. Explores the nature of effective schools, and examines the principal's role in establishing models for educating children in…

Explores characteristics of contemporary African-American independent neighborhood schools. These urban schools continue a nearly 200-year-old tradition of providing learning environments in which children can succeed. They offer a range of options from which parents can choose and can serve as a blueprint for school choice. (SLD)

The claim that public school choice encourages more than standardized education is examined using data for 66 schools from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988. Little support is found for the argument that choice is currently an inventive way to alter the academic lives of students and teachers. (SLD)

Parents' general satisfaction with child care, which they often do not investigate fully, and the ways they make their child care choices suggest that parents are not likely to be major catalysts for school reform. Issues of quality, equity, parent choice, and school restructuring are explored. (SLD)

Analyzes public opinion on school choice using telephone survey data from 1,508 Detroit (Michigan) metropolitan area residents. Examines within-district, cross-district, statewide, and tax credit options. Substantial support for school choice is demonstrated, and residents overall are receptive to choice, in spite of the area's history of extreme…

Eight papers discuss the public choice model of education in an international context and the implications of choice for parental involvement in schools. Perspectives/dilemmas in the United States, Great Britain, Japan, and Israel are considered. Conflicting views of schools as service organizations and schools as commonwealth organizations are…

Influences of alternative policies that state governments and the federal government use to improve child-care centers and preschools are assessed based on a survey of 1,805 centers in 36 states. Center quality is generally higher in centers receiving greater subsidies. Implications of findings for policy in managed choice school settings are…

Presents the case against private school choice, exploring myths and facts about public and private education. Private school choice would not increase accountability and would not bring about healthy competition for students. In addition, private schools do not outperform public schools to the extent one would expect. (SLD)

Discusses future trends affecting school business management, including greater state funding and involvement in policy issues, increased competition from alternative schools, controversy over vouchers, new educational technologies, fewer specialized administrator training programs, expanded educational services, integrated social services, and…

The "ideal" principal is facing a world of decentralized school structures, increasing and changing environmental boundaries and roles, less homogeneous schools, closer contact with stakeholders, and a market-driven view of education. Principals should view themselves as environmental negotiators, not merely school-system managers.…

Arizona allows charters to be granted by local school boards, the state board of education, or gubernatorially appointed boards. Regulatory loopholes allow multiple campuses, private school conversions, and outside-of-district charters. Market-based choice depends on political support, a strong state government, and enormous parental and teacher…

Discusses the introduction and implementation of the 1988 Education Reform Act for England and Wales. Traces the attempts of several existing private schools to become grant maintained (eligible for various forms of government support). Most private and faith-based schools have not been successful in this endeavor. Discusses the reasons for this.…