The School Choice and Voucher Debate

If we don’t change our direction, we’re likely to end up where we are going. 

                           Chinese Proverb

There is so much controversy on the subjects of school choice and vouchers.  There are so many arguments for and against these remedies for the failing school systems.  Obviously the statistics show that there is an achievement gap between the rich and poor.  The solution of offering vouchers and school choice to families seems to make sense because it’s fair, increases parental satisfaction, and creates equal opportunities for all students.

I think that change is what people are afraid of in the implementation of these programs.  People are afraid to make such drastic change in the way our educational system is run and has been operating for hundreds of years.  People are afraid these programs are not going to work.

Some of the arguments in support of vouchers and school choice include:

• Giving parents a right to decide where their children will attend school, regardless of their income
• Creates healthy competition leading to greater efficiency in all schools
• Higher parental satisfaction
• Graduation rates increase
• Reduces racial segregation
• Cost-effectiveness

Some of the arguments against vouchers and school choice include:

•  Administrative costs may rise
• Increased inequality
• Difficult implementation
• The quality of education in private schools may decrease
• Takes away funds from public schools leaving a large underclass of students.

From a teacher’s perspective, I can see why many are against these programs.  Potential job loss and job security are critical reasons not to want to change.  However, from a parent’s perspective, I see why people are in support of vouchers and school choice.  I want my children to have the same educational opportunities as others.  It seems only fair that as a parent, if my child is in a failing school I’d want the choice to take my child out and send him/her to a better, more-effective school.

As stated in McREL’s Balanced Leadership Research, nearly every educational reform introduced over the last twenty years has differing perceptions over the implications of change.  Change may have first order implications for one person or group of individuals, yet has second order implications for another person or group, this latter group may view the change as a problem rather than a solution.  Some see vouchers and school choice as “solutions” others see them as problems.

In the United States we are free to make choices all the time.  If we don’t like the way someone cuts our hair we go to another hair stylist.  If we don’t like a particular restaurant we have the choice to dine in others.  If our doctor is not adequately meeting our needs, we switch to another doctor or practice.  Why not have the same choices with education? 

We have a choice as to what pre-school our children attend and what college they attend.  Why not have the same choices with elementary and secondary schools?  Why should taxpayers have to pay twice?

The reforms in place and the increase in funding are not making all of our schools more effective.  It’s time to change what we are doing and try something new.  Let’s stop being afraid of change and instead help change the future of education for the better.