Indeed, there are other choices, for those who can afford them. But this leaves the poor trapped in failing schools. Bush would demand real reform. While restoring local and state control of schooling, he would also set standards and back them up. Gore pays lip service to accountability, but he wouldn't dream of doing anything that would offend teacher union bosses.
True accountability means making schools prove their effectiveness.
Failing schools, which often hurt poorer families, should no longer be ignored. Bush would allow lower-income students to take their share of federal funding to whichever educational setting best benefits them. This idea terrifies some in the educational bureaucracy. But, it's the only way to ensure that all children will be equipped with the tools to allow them to succeed. If elected, George W. Bush would do the right thing in these areas while his opponents would lead us down the wrong road.