Fears Versus Facts About School Choice

As the debate on whether or not to continue the School Choice program in Washington D.C. continues, new information about the positive benefits of choice continue to emerge from across the country.

A new study by Dr. John Garen explains myths and data about School Choice, and explores the potential benefits the options would bring to the state. He points out that:

• Spending increased 30 percent between the 1989-1990 and 1995-1996 school years, the highest increase in the nation, student to teacher ratios fell by 4.5 percent, and teacher payrolls rose by 3.86 percent
• Despite the spending increase and increased teacher pay, the test scores of students did not increase and in certain areas actually got worse
• Kentucky student test scores below average, according to the 2007 NAEP report

Increased spending does not mean improved results, which is why parents deserve the right to explore school options in their area to make the best decisions for their children. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan understood the importance of education, as he responded it was important factor for his daughter when choosing the district he would live in a recent Wall Street Journal:

"She goes to Arlington [Virginia] public schools. That was why we chose where we live, it was the determining factor . . . I didn't want to try to save the country's children and our educational system and jeopardize my own children's education.