Educational Attainment Effects of Public and Private School Choice

18 Pages Posted: 2 Oct 2017

See all articles by Leesa Foreman

Leesa Foreman

University of Arkansas - Department of Education Reform

Date Written: June 1, 2017

Abstract

The two fastest growing school choice options are charter schools and private school voucher programs (independently, as tax credit scholarships, and as part of educational savings accounts). Most of the research assessing the effects of these programs focuses on student achievement. I review the literature to determine the impact public and private school choice programs are having on high school completion, college enrollment, and college persistence which, ultimately, may be different and of greater consequence than test scores. Furthermore, as educational attainment affects earnings and other life outcomes, those findings are reported when available. In sum, of the 12 studies presented it appears that school choice programs are having a positive effect on educational attainment overall, with similar results for both types of choice programs. However, there is too little research to draw firm conclusions at this time.

Keywords: School choice, charter schools, private school voucher

Suggested Citation

Foreman, Leesa, Educational Attainment Effects of Public and Private School Choice (June 1, 2017). EDRE Working Paper No. 2017-16, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3045987 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3045987

Leesa Foreman (Contact Author)

University of Arkansas - Department of Education Reform ( email )

201 Graduate Education Building
Fayetteville, AR 72701
United States

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