Nowhere is this clearer than in Washington, where dozens of federal programs dispense billions of dollars with no visible impact on the performance of students or schools. The 106th Congress flirted with reforms but failed to act. Now the 107th faces the challenge. But this train could be headed for a wreck over the voucher issue. Both are wrong.
Vouchers are neither miracle cure nor disaster.
But feelings run deep, political alliances are strong and prospects for bipartisan agreement look bleak. We should begin by acknowledging two facts of life. First, big education decisions in America are made by states, communities, schools and families, not by Washington. And in the past three decades, people have reached varied conclusions about school choice. In others, you're free to enroll in any public school in town or even in nearby districts.