Abstract
Investigating the issue of school choice requires looking at the factors of policy
development, identifying the key stakeholders, analyzing socioeconomic issues, and examining
the Christian perspective and responsibilities that surround the issue of the future of education.
Introduction
School choice is a contentious policy issue in today's political environment. Questions are
raised about competition, equity, parental rights, and the roles of educators. The effects of school
choice on communities can be varied depending on the policy decisions that are made about the
availability of differing school choice offerings.
Policy Options
Vouchers
In voucher programs, parents are allotted money that can be used to send their children to
the school of their choice. The vouchers usually cover most if not all the cost associated with
attendance at a school. They can choose private schools or public schools. These schools could be
religious or non-religious. The application of vouchers usually means tested so many think of
voucher programs as a progressive social policy. Along with the same type of thinking is the
education tax credit which is a voucher program in theory. (Berends, 2022). This allows families
to receive tax credits that allow for the payment of school fees.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are public schools that allow parents to choose to attend or not to attend.
Charter schools commit to specialized educational objectives and are not held to state and local
Investigating the issue of school choice requires looking at the factors of policy
development, identifying the key stakeholders, analyzing socioeconomic issues, and examining
the Christian perspective and responsibilities that surround the issue of the future of education.
Introduction
School choice is a contentious policy issue in today's political environment. Questions are
raised about competition, equity, parental rights, and the roles of educators. The effects of school
choice on communities can be varied depending on the policy decisions that are made about the
availability of differing school choice offerings.
Policy Options
Vouchers
In voucher programs, parents are allotted money that can be used to send their children to
the school of their choice. The vouchers usually cover most if not all the cost associated with
attendance at a school. They can choose private schools or public schools. These schools could be
religious or non-religious. The application of vouchers usually means tested so many think of
voucher programs as a progressive social policy. Along with the same type of thinking is the
education tax credit which is a voucher program in theory. (Berends, 2022). This allows families
to receive tax credits that allow for the payment of school fees.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are public schools that allow parents to choose to attend or not to attend.
Charter schools commit to specialized educational objectives and are not held to state and local
regulations that require certain operational and managerial requirements. Otherwise, these schools
are held to the same standards as public schools. (What Is a Charter School | NCSRC, n.d.). Some
charter schools may have incentives to force out those students with high needs with a deemphasis
on special education. (Mitchell, Shipps, & Crowson, 2017).
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is a policy that allows students to attend the public school of their choice.
The choice can be made without regard to what the student's home address is. This allows for
competition within the school district which could provide for better school performance by
allowing students to choose better schools than the one that they are districted for.
Virtual Schooling
Virtual schooling allows students to attend class from home or anywhere that has access to
the internet. This is an increasing option in schooling that has been utilized by higher education
for some time. The move toward grade school and high school virtual learning has seen increased
attendance over the last few years. Many schools converted to virtual learning during the COVID-
19 pandemic. A drawback of virtual learning is that it removes the interaction students receive
with other students. This could be a detriment to learning social skills.
Key Stakeholders
Parents and other family members play a pivotal role in advocating for school choice.
Educators, advocacy groups, and policymakers shape the narrative that influences school choice.
Each of these groups has distinct perspectives that can influence the development of school choice
policies to benefit students.
are held to the same standards as public schools. (What Is a Charter School | NCSRC, n.d.). Some
charter schools may have incentives to force out those students with high needs with a deemphasis
on special education. (Mitchell, Shipps, & Crowson, 2017).
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is a policy that allows students to attend the public school of their choice.
The choice can be made without regard to what the student's home address is. This allows for
competition within the school district which could provide for better school performance by
allowing students to choose better schools than the one that they are districted for.
Virtual Schooling
Virtual schooling allows students to attend class from home or anywhere that has access to
the internet. This is an increasing option in schooling that has been utilized by higher education
for some time. The move toward grade school and high school virtual learning has seen increased
attendance over the last few years. Many schools converted to virtual learning during the COVID-
19 pandemic. A drawback of virtual learning is that it removes the interaction students receive
with other students. This could be a detriment to learning social skills.
Key Stakeholders
Parents and other family members play a pivotal role in advocating for school choice.
Educators, advocacy groups, and policymakers shape the narrative that influences school choice.
Each of these groups has distinct perspectives that can influence the development of school choice
policies to benefit students.
Socioeconomic Conditions
Quality education can be significantly impacted by economic realities. The differences
between urban and rural areas can present challenges to school choice. The availability of
programs and schools can be impacted by the number of students in an area and the availability of
financial resources in a community. Dissatisfaction with the quality of available public education
can also drive the demand for alternatives to traditional public education.
Christian Perspectives and Responsibilities
Christians have a unique responsibility when it comes to providing education. Christians
are called to pass their values to their children. Many public schools do not reflect the Christian
value system therefore making it difficult for Christians to utilize public school systems. As a
result, the opportunities presented by school choice can offer value to the Christian family in
allowing the family to seek a school that aligns with their beliefs. Christians have a responsibility
to attempt to influence policymakers in giving options that fall in the realm of Christian belief.
Proverbs 22:6 tells us that we should teach our children the proper way to go. Then when they are
older, they will not depart from those teachings.
Conclusion
Varying school choice policies have significant advantages and disadvantages. When it
comes to a Christian perspective, Christians should do what they can to influence proper school
choices that align with the Biblical worldview. Allowing students and parents the opportunity to
choose a school that best fits their needs is vital. Policymakers should consider more competition
in where a student can receive their education.
Quality education can be significantly impacted by economic realities. The differences
between urban and rural areas can present challenges to school choice. The availability of
programs and schools can be impacted by the number of students in an area and the availability of
financial resources in a community. Dissatisfaction with the quality of available public education
can also drive the demand for alternatives to traditional public education.
Christian Perspectives and Responsibilities
Christians have a unique responsibility when it comes to providing education. Christians
are called to pass their values to their children. Many public schools do not reflect the Christian
value system therefore making it difficult for Christians to utilize public school systems. As a
result, the opportunities presented by school choice can offer value to the Christian family in
allowing the family to seek a school that aligns with their beliefs. Christians have a responsibility
to attempt to influence policymakers in giving options that fall in the realm of Christian belief.
Proverbs 22:6 tells us that we should teach our children the proper way to go. Then when they are
older, they will not depart from those teachings.
Conclusion
Varying school choice policies have significant advantages and disadvantages. When it
comes to a Christian perspective, Christians should do what they can to influence proper school
choices that align with the Biblical worldview. Allowing students and parents the opportunity to
choose a school that best fits their needs is vital. Policymakers should consider more competition
in where a student can receive their education.
References
Berends, M. (2022, September 29). The current landscape of school choice in the United States -
kappanonline.org. kappanonline.org. https://kappanonline.org/current-landscape-school-
choice-united-states-vouchers-charter-schools-berends/
Mitchell, D.E., Shipps, D., & Crowson, R.L. (Eds.). (2017). Shaping Education Policy: Power
and Process (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315621944
What is a Charter School | NCSRC. (n.d.). https://charterschoolcenter.ed.gov/what-charter-
school
Berends, M. (2022, September 29). The current landscape of school choice in the United States -
kappanonline.org. kappanonline.org. https://kappanonline.org/current-landscape-school-
choice-united-states-vouchers-charter-schools-berends/
Mitchell, D.E., Shipps, D., & Crowson, R.L. (Eds.). (2017). Shaping Education Policy: Power
and Process (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315621944
What is a Charter School | NCSRC. (n.d.). https://charterschoolcenter.ed.gov/what-charter-
school
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