9.3 School Choice and Alternative Education Models
7 min read•august 14, 2024
School choice policies aim to give families more options beyond their assigned public school. These include , , and . The goal is to provide and to fit students' needs.
Alternative education models offer unique approaches outside traditional schooling. Examples are , , and for . These models cater to diverse learning styles and circumstances, aiming to engage all types of learners.
School choice and its forms
Definition and goals of school choice
Top images from around the web for Definition and goals of school choice
National Education Policy 2020 - A Comprehensive Analysis View original
Is this image relevant?
Competency-based teaching and curriculum – UNIPS View original
Is this image relevant?
Education Freedom Pledge Reveals Which Lawmakers Support Choice In Education - Redoubt News View original
Is this image relevant?
National Education Policy 2020 - A Comprehensive Analysis View original
Is this image relevant?
Competency-based teaching and curriculum – UNIPS View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Definition and goals of school choice
National Education Policy 2020 - A Comprehensive Analysis View original
Is this image relevant?
Competency-based teaching and curriculum – UNIPS View original
Is this image relevant?
Education Freedom Pledge Reveals Which Lawmakers Support Choice In Education - Redoubt News View original
Is this image relevant?
National Education Policy 2020 - A Comprehensive Analysis View original
Is this image relevant?
Competency-based teaching and curriculum – UNIPS View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- School choice refers to educational policies and programs that allow students to attend schools other than their assigned public school
- The goal is to provide families with options to best fit their children's needs (personalized learning, specialized programs, religious education)
Intradistrict and interdistrict choice
- allows students to choose among public schools within their resident school district
- Options may include magnet schools, alternative schools, or policies
- enables students to attend public schools outside of their resident district
- Requires agreements between participating districts to accept transfer students
- Allows families to access specialized programs or higher-performing schools not available in their home district
Charter schools and their characteristics
- Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently from the traditional public school system under a charter granted by the state
- They have more autonomy over curriculum, staffing, and operations compared to district-run public schools
- Charters may be operated by non-profit organizations, universities, or for-profit companies
- Some charters focus on a particular educational approach (project-based learning) or student population (at-risk youth)
Voucher programs and education savings accounts
- Voucher programs provide students with public funds to attend private schools of their choice, including both secular and religious schools
- Voucher amounts are typically a portion of the per-pupil spending in public schools
- Program eligibility may be based on family income, student disability, or attendance at a low-performing public school
- (ESAs) give families public funds to use for approved educational expenses
- Covered expenses can include private school tuition, online courses, tutoring or therapy
- Funds are deposited into a government-authorized account for parents to manage
- Allows for customization and mixing of educational services to fit a student's individual needs
Homeschooling as a school choice option
- is when parents provide education for their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school
- Parents assume responsibility for their child's educational program, though they may use a variety of resources and curricula
- Homeschooling laws and regulations vary by state, with some requiring notification or approval from the local school district
- Motivations for homeschooling include religious beliefs, dissatisfaction with school curricula or environment, or desire for flexibility
Alternative education models
Magnet schools and their unique features
- Magnet schools are specialized public schools that focus on a particular subject area or theme (STEM, fine arts, world languages)
- They aim to attract a diverse student body through unique educational offerings and often have competitive admissions
- Magnet programs can be housed within a comprehensive school or operated as a standalone school
- Unlike charters, magnets are operated by the school district and teachers are district employees
Alternative schools for at-risk students
- Alternative schools serve students whose needs are not being met in traditional schools
- Includes students at risk of dropping out, with behavioral issues, or special circumstances like teen parents
- They provide flexible schedules, smaller class sizes, and customized academic and social-emotional support
- Goal is typically to help students get back on track and transition back to a traditional school environment
- Some alternative programs are housed within a traditional school while others are separate schools
Online and virtual schools
- Online schools deliver instruction virtually to students learning at home or other locations
- Curriculum and teaching are provided by the school, differentiating it from homeschooling
- Some online schools are operated by public school districts, while others are run by private companies or organizations
- They offer flexibility for students who need non-traditional schedules or struggle in typical classroom environments
- Concerns include lack of socialization, screen time, and difficulty self-directing learning for some students
Vocational and technical education programs
- Vocational/technical schools prepare students for specific trades, crafts and careers (automotive repair, cosmetology, healthcare)
- Programs are more focused on career readiness compared to the general education at most high schools
- Can be offered as a standalone school (vocational high school) or an specialized track within a comprehensive high school
- Hands-on learning experiences and internships are common to give students real-world skills
- Aim to equip non-college-bound students with marketable skills and a pathway to well-paying jobs
Arguments for and against school choice
Impact of market competition on school quality
- Proponents argue that school choice creates competition, encouraging schools to improve quality and be responsive to families' preferences
- Traditional public schools must innovate and address shortcomings or risk losing students
- Critics counter that competition has not consistently led to better outcomes, especially for students remaining in district schools
- Choice can drain resources and high-performing students from public schools, making it harder for them to improve
School choice as a tool for equity and access
- Choice is seen by advocates as a way to provide disadvantaged students access to higher quality schools
- Low-income and minority students are disproportionately concentrated in underperforming schools
- Choice programs can give them options previously limited to more affluent families
- Opponents argue choice policies can actually increase
- Advantaged families are more likely to exercise choice, leaving disadvantaged students behind in struggling schools
- Some schools of choice have barriers to entry (academic requirements, transportation, parental involvement) that screen out certain students
Allowing for diverse educational approaches and parental empowerment
- Supporters believe choice allows for a diversity of educational approaches so students can find the best fit
- One-size-fits-all district schools may not work for every child's learning needs or family's values
- Those against choice policies argue that public funds should not go to private, especially religious, schools
- Diverting funds to private education undermines the public school system and its mission to serve all students
- School choice is framed by proponents as empowering parents to make decisions about their child's education
- Critics say choice places an undue burden on families to research and evaluate complex school options
- Not all families have equal access to information and transportation to take advantage of choice
School choice: Equity vs Outcomes
Academic outcomes of choice programs
- Research on the academic effects of school choice programs shows mixed results
- Some studies find modest gains for students participating in voucher or charter programs compared to peers in traditional public schools
- Other studies find no significant differences in test scores between choice participants and district school students
- Results often vary based on the design of the specific choice program and local context
- Challenges in evaluating academic outcomes include and the role of family background factors
Impact of choice on segregation and inclusion
- School choice policies have the potential to increase racial and socioeconomic segregation
- Disadvantaged students may be left behind in low-performing district schools as more affluent families exercise choice options
- Some choice programs have been shown to increase stratification between schools
- Targeted choice policies can also be used as a tool to promote integration and diversity
- Magnet schools were originally developed to encourage voluntary desegregation
- Controlled choice programs consider student demographics in school assignments to ensure diverse enrollments
- Students with disabilities may face particular barriers to inclusion in choice programs
- Families may have to give up legal protections and specialized services guaranteed in public schools
- Some choice schools may counsel out or fail to adequately serve students with more significant needs
Equitable access and participation in choice programs
- Low-income and minority families often have lower rates of participation in choice programs compared to advantaged peers
- Barriers to access include lack of transportation, language and information gaps, and complex application processes
- Navigating choice systems and evaluating school options requires time, resources, and cultural capital
- Targeted support and outreach to disadvantaged communities can increase equitable access (providing free transportation, application assistance, multilingual resources)
- Without such efforts, school choice has the potential to exacerbate inequities if only well-off families can take advantage of options
Funding equity and accountability concerns
- School choice programs can negatively impact between district and choice schools
- Funding portability through vouchers or ESAs can divert resources from already underfunded public schools
- District schools may be left with higher concentrations of high-need students without adequate resources to serve them
- for schools participating in choice programs vary widely
- Private schools accepting vouchers may not have to administer state tests or report performance data
- Lack of oversight of academic quality and student civil rights protections is a concern with some privately-operated choice schools
- Balancing autonomy and flexibility for choice schools with the need for accountability for public funds and student outcomes is an ongoing challenge
Key Terms to Review (22)
Accountability measures: Accountability measures are standards and assessments used to evaluate the performance of schools, educators, and students to ensure that educational goals and quality are being met. These measures often include standardized testing, school report cards, and teacher evaluations, aimed at promoting transparency and improvement in educational systems. By holding schools and educators accountable, these measures aim to enhance student outcomes and ensure effective use of resources.
Alternative schools: Alternative schools are educational institutions that provide non-traditional education options, often designed to meet the unique needs of students who may not thrive in conventional school settings. These schools emphasize different pedagogical approaches, curricula, and environments, aiming to offer a more personalized learning experience. Alternative schools can include charter schools, magnet schools, and therapeutic schools, reflecting a broader movement towards school choice and innovative educational models.
At-Risk Students: At-risk students are individuals who face significant challenges that may hinder their academic success and overall development. These challenges often include factors such as poverty, family instability, learning disabilities, or exposure to violence. Understanding the context of at-risk students is essential for developing effective school choice and alternative education models that address their unique needs and promote their academic achievement.
Charter schools: Charter schools are publicly funded educational institutions that operate independently from the traditional public school system, often with more flexibility in their curricula and teaching methods. They are established through a charter, which is a performance contract outlining the school's mission, program, students served, and methods of assessment. This unique structure allows charter schools to provide alternative educational choices for families seeking different options than those offered by conventional public schools.
Education savings accounts: Education savings accounts (ESAs) are financial instruments that allow parents to save for their children's education expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, and educational materials. These accounts are designed to give families greater flexibility in how they allocate funds for educational purposes, promoting personalized learning experiences outside the traditional public school system.
Educational access: Educational access refers to the ability of individuals to obtain a quality education, which includes having the necessary resources, opportunities, and support to succeed in learning. This concept is crucial as it encompasses various factors such as geographical location, socio-economic status, and systemic barriers that can hinder or facilitate educational attainment. Ensuring equitable educational access is vital for promoting social justice and fostering inclusive educational environments.
Equity in Education: Equity in education refers to the principle of fairness and justice in educational opportunities, ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. This concept encompasses not only equal access to education but also the need for tailored support that addresses individual needs, creating a more inclusive environment for diverse learners.
Funding equity: Funding equity refers to the principle of ensuring that all students have access to the same level of educational resources, regardless of their socioeconomic status or the wealth of their school district. This concept highlights the importance of distributing financial resources in a way that addresses disparities among schools and supports equal opportunities for all students. Achieving funding equity is crucial in discussions about school choice and alternative education models, as these frameworks often reflect existing inequalities in funding.
Homeschooling: Homeschooling is an educational practice where parents or guardians take on the responsibility of educating their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school. This approach allows for personalized learning experiences tailored to the child's needs, interests, and pace, and often involves a variety of teaching methods and resources, including online programs, co-ops, and real-world learning opportunities.
Interdistrict choice: Interdistrict choice is a policy that allows students to enroll in schools outside of their assigned school district, providing families with the freedom to select educational options that best meet their needs. This approach promotes competition among schools and aims to improve educational outcomes by offering parents more control over their children's education. The concept aligns with broader themes in school choice and alternative education models, which advocate for diverse educational opportunities.
Intradistrict Choice: Intradistrict choice refers to the ability of students and their families to select among different schools within the same school district. This option enables parents to choose schools that align better with their children's needs, interests, and educational goals, fostering a sense of agency in the educational process. By allowing such flexibility, intradistrict choice can promote diversity in educational opportunities and enhance student engagement.
Magnet Programs: Magnet programs are specialized educational programs within public schools that focus on particular subjects or themes, such as science, arts, or technology, designed to attract a diverse student body. These programs provide unique curricula and teaching methods aimed at enhancing student engagement and achievement while promoting school choice in the educational landscape.
Market Competition: Market competition refers to the rivalry among educational institutions to attract students and funding through various means such as program offerings, quality of education, and innovation. This competition can drive improvements in school performance and enhance educational choices for families, as schools must continuously adapt to meet the demands of students and parents in a dynamic educational landscape.
Online schools: Online schools are educational institutions that provide instruction primarily through digital platforms, allowing students to learn from anywhere with internet access. They represent a significant shift in educational delivery, offering flexible schedules and diverse curricula that cater to individual learning needs. This model plays a crucial role in the landscape of school choice and alternative education by making education more accessible to a wider range of students.
Open enrollment: Open enrollment is a policy that allows students to enroll in a public school outside of their designated district or zone, regardless of where they live. This concept enhances school choice by providing families with the opportunity to select schools based on their specific needs, preferences, and educational philosophies, rather than being limited to local options. The flexibility of open enrollment can contribute to diversity within schools and create competitive environments that may lead to overall improvements in educational quality.
Parental Empowerment: Parental empowerment refers to the process by which parents gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions regarding their children's education and advocate for their needs. This concept emphasizes the importance of parents being actively involved in their children's schooling, contributing to their academic success and overall well-being. Empowered parents are more likely to participate in school choice options, engage with alternative education models, and collaborate with educators to create a supportive learning environment.
Personalized learning: Personalized learning is an educational approach that tailors instruction to meet the individual needs, skills, and interests of each student. This method encourages flexibility in pacing, learning styles, and content delivery, allowing students to take an active role in their own education. It connects closely with current trends in education, the rise of alternative schooling options, and the use of technology to enhance learning experiences.
Segregation: Segregation refers to the practice of separating individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. In education, this often manifests in the separation of students into different schools or classrooms that can lead to unequal access to resources and opportunities, affecting overall student outcomes.
Specialized programs: Specialized programs are educational initiatives designed to meet the specific needs or interests of particular student groups or subjects. These programs often focus on areas such as the arts, sciences, technology, or other unique curricula that go beyond traditional education, allowing students to engage deeply in their areas of interest. By offering tailored learning experiences, specialized programs can enhance student engagement, academic achievement, and personal development.
Student selection effects: Student selection effects refer to the phenomenon where certain types of students choose particular educational settings, such as schools or programs, based on their characteristics and preferences. This choice can significantly influence the overall composition of the student body, impacting academic outcomes, social dynamics, and resource allocation within those environments. Understanding these effects is crucial when evaluating the efficacy of school choice and alternative education models.
Vocational programs: Vocational programs are educational pathways designed to provide students with the skills and training necessary for specific careers or trades. These programs often focus on practical, hands-on experience and are aimed at preparing students for immediate employment in fields such as healthcare, technology, and construction. They offer an alternative to traditional academic education by emphasizing skill acquisition and job readiness.
Vouchers: Vouchers are government-funded certificates that allow parents to use public education funds to pay for their children's education at private schools, charter schools, or other educational institutions. This system promotes school choice by providing families with more options for their children's education, aiming to improve educational outcomes and foster competition among schools.