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Vouchers in American Education: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Impact and Implications

Herb Simmons

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Published in Freedom Of Choice: Vouchers In American Education (Praeger On American Political Culture)

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School vouchers are a form of education reform that has been debated in the United States for decades. Vouchers are government-funded certificates that parents can use to pay for private school tuition. Proponents of vouchers argue that they give parents more choice in their children's education and that they can improve student achievement. Opponents argue that vouchers divert public funds from public schools and that they can lead to increased segregation.

Freedom of Choice: Vouchers in American Education (Praeger on American Political Culture)

Freedom of Choice: Vouchers in American Education (Praeger Series on American Political Culture)

by Jim Carl

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2972 KB
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Print length	:	264 pages

History of Vouchers in the United States

The first school voucher program in the United States was established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1990. Since then, voucher programs have been implemented in a number of other states, including Florida, Louisiana, and Indiana. The largest voucher program in the country is in Florida, where over 100,000 students participate.

Types of Vouchers

There are two main types of school vouchers: universal vouchers and targeted vouchers. Universal vouchers are available to all students, regardless of their income or academic achievement. Targeted vouchers are only available to students from low-income families or students who are struggling academically.

Impact of Vouchers on Student Achievement

There is no consensus on the impact of school vouchers on student achievement. Some studies have found that vouchers improve student achievement, while other studies have found that they have no effect or even a negative effect. The most rigorous study on the impact of vouchers, which was conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, found that vouchers had a small but positive impact on student achievement in math and reading.

Debates Surrounding Vouchers

There are a number of ongoing debates surrounding the use of school vouchers. One debate is over the issue of equity. Critics of vouchers argue that they divert public funds from public schools and that they can lead to increased segregation. Proponents of vouchers argue that they give parents more choice in their children's education and that they can improve student achievement.

School vouchers are a controversial issue in American education. There is no easy answer to the question of whether or not vouchers are good for students. The best way to make a decision about vouchers is to weigh the potential benefits and risks and to decide what is best for your child.

Freedom of Choice: Vouchers in American Education (Praeger Series on American Political Culture)

by Jim Carl

5 out of 5