Authorities in constitutional law, political theory, and public education policy, the authors of this volume analyze one of the most controversial debates currently facing Americans; the issue of school choice and the potential of vouchers as an alternative to the present public educational system. Choosing Schools explores the issue from many angles and discusses the benefits and pitfalls of the voucher system. Contents: PART ONE: An Argument in Favor of School Vouchers, Jerome J. Hanus; Introduction: The Controversy Over Public Schools; Public Education: Two Misconceptions; Democracy, Pluralism, and School Choice; Equity, Liberty, and Nonpublic Schools; Constitutional Law and Vouchers; The Empirical Questions About Private Education; An Affirmative Action Argument for Vouchers; The Politics of Voucher Legislation; Conclusion. PART TWO: There is No Escape Clause in the Social Contract: The Case Against School Vouchers, Peter W. Cookson, Jr.; Education is a Political Right, Not a Property Right; Consumership Will Not Improve Education; Public Funding of Religious Schools is Unconstitutional; There is No Known Relationship Between Vouchers and Student Achievement; Vouchers Are Expensive, Impractical, and Inherently Destructive to Community Schools; Conclusion.

Author Biography

Jerome Hanus is a Professor in the Department of Government at the School of Public Affairs, The American University. Peter W. Cookson, Jr. is Director of Education Outreach and Extension at Teacher's College, Columbia University.