Too many students are expected to learn in dilapidated, overcrowded schools. No CEO would tolerate a leaking ceiling in the boardroom, and no teacher should have to tolerate it in the classroom. Scarce federal funds should not go to private schools, especially when public schools have such great needs. Voucher proponents argue that vouchers increase choice for parents. But choice for parents is a mirage.
Private schools apply different rules than public schools.
Unlike public schools, which must accept all children, private schools can reject candidates. Private schools receiving vouchers do not have to accept minority students or students with limited English proficiency or students with disabilities or homeless students or students with discipline problems. The real choice is made by the schools, not the parents. Scarce public funds should not go to schools that can exclude children. Current research shows that vouchers do not have a significant impact on student achievement.