Another Study Finds No Academic Impact from Vouchers
For Immediate Release
June 21, 2007
For more information contact
Marc Egan, Director, Federal Affairs
National School Boards Association
703-838-6707; megan@nsba.org
Statement by National School Boards Association
On U.S. Department of Education
Release of First-Year Academic Evaluation of
Washington, D.C. School Voucher Program
Another Study Finds No Academic Impact from Vouchers
Alexandria, VA - June 21 - Today the U.S. Department of Education released a Congressionally mandated academic evaluation of the Washington, D.C. pilot private school voucher program. The study examined and compared the academic achievement of students who used federally funded vouchers to attend a private school and students who were not offered a voucher and attended public school. After one school year, the study found no significant academic differences in reading and math between private school voucher students and public school students.
This is the latest in a line of previous studies that have found no significant academic advantages for students as a result of private school vouchers. Previous studies of the Cleveland and Milwaukee voucher programs, also funded by taxpayers, reached similar conclusions. Despite the ability of private schools in the Washington, D.C. program to maintain their admissions standards, this study indicates that students have not benefited academically from vouchers beyond their peers in public schools.
When evaluated, voucher programs nationwide have proven ineffective in helping to raise student achievement compared to public schools. Congress and lawmakers at the state level would be wise to invest the scarce resources available for education in the nation’s public schools that serve 48 million students, are publicly accountable and available to all children.
Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association is a not-for profit federation of state associations of school boards across the United States. Its mission is to foster excellence and equity in public elementary and secondary education in the United States through local school board leadership.
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NSBA Communications Office
Linda Embrey
703-838-6737 or press@nsba.org