False Choices

Vouchers, Public Schools, and Our Children's Future

Vouchers are the most important educational controversy since the U.S. Supreme Court declared "separate but equal" schools unconstitutional in 1954 and ended Jim Crow schooling.

Supporters of school vouchers have launched an assault on the very concept of public education. Seizing on undeniable problems in our public schools, particularly in urban areas, conservatives are using vouchers and the seductive rhetoric of "choice" to further their goal of privatizing our schools and removing them from public oversight and responsibility.

Voucher supporters received a major boost in 1998 when the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld a Milwaukee program that provides tax dollars for vouchers at private schools, including religious schools. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal, leaving vouchers intact in Milwaukee and leaving the future of vouchers nationwide unclear.

In opposing vouchers, advocates of public school reform find themselves in a complicated position. On the one hand, we must continue to criticize public schools and demand that they provide a quality education to all children. Too often, public schools are willing partners in furthering the divisions in this country between the "haves" and "have-nots."

On the other hand, we must defend the institution of public education. At a time when our communities —urban, rural, and suburban — need to re-commit themselves to equity and high standards for all children, vouchers promote a mentality of escape, individualized advancement, and abandonment of responsibility for the collective good.

Rethinking Schools hopes this collection of articles will help educators understand the true nature of vouchers, and will inspire them to look at better ways to improve our schools.

In this Special Section:

• The Voucher Threat — A Rethinking Schools Editorial
  
• Commonly Asked Questions About School Choice And Vouchers
  
• Talking Points on Vouchers
  
• Why Private Schools and Public Dollars are a Bad Mix
  
• Why Vouchers Aren't Just Being Pushed for Low-Income Families
  
• Web Resources on Voucher Issues
  
• Reforming Our Public Schools: Guidelines for Discussion
  
• Notable Quotes on Vouchers
  
• Vouchers: Church/State Complexities
  By Priscilla Pardini
  A look at the contradictions that arise when public dollars are given to private religious schools. (Volume 14, No. 2, Winter 1999)
  
• Legislation Calls for Access and Accountability
  By Priscilla Pardini
  Details of a Wisconsin bill that would make voucher schools comply with the same open-meetings and open-records requirements as public schools. (Volume 14, No. 2, Winter 1999)
  
• A Visit to a Religious Elementary School
  By Priscilla Pardini
  A close-up look at one religious school in Milwaukee that receives voucher funding, which advocates "integrating faith in Jesus Christ with the content and process of all learning." (Volume 14, No. 2, Winter 1999)
  
• Report Looks at Public and Private Schools
  By Priscilla Pardini
  A recent report says when policymakers assume private schools are better than public schools, they ignore lessons that could make all schools better. (Volume 14, No. 2, Winter 1999)
  
• Vouchers and Public Accountability
  By Erik Gunn.
  Public schools face increasing scrutiny while private voucher schools are allowed to operate with almost no oversight. Why the double standard? (Volume 14, No. 1, Fall 1999)
  
• Problems Erupt in Cleveland
  By Erik Gunn
  . Voucher schools chalk up concerns over safety hazards, unlicensed teachers, and reliance on videos for instruction.(Volume 14, No. 1, Fall 1999)
  
• Edison Loses Millions — Again
  By Barbara Miner.
  The for-profit education company loses almost $50 million this year, as Wall Street commentators question its plans to issue public stock. (Volume 14, No. 1, Fall 1999)