Critics, on the other hand, believe that vouchers undermine the public school system by diverting revenues. This year, voters in at least two states, California and Michigan, are likely to vote on proposals establishing voucher programs. The campaigns on that issue promise to be bitter and expensive. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has not yet spoken clearly on the constitutionality of voucher programs. Charter schools, on the other hand, enjoy broad political support.
Charters are schools supported with public funding but freed from most government regulation.
Both political parties endorse expanding charters beyond the 1,700 schools currently in operation. But little is known about their effect on student learning. The first charter schools were founded in the early 1990s. As the schools contracts come up for renewal, scholars are learning more about their effectiveness, as well as the challenges remaining. The meeting will be held in the Stein Room on the second floor.