A Costly Gamble or Serious Reform?

California voters will decide whether to create a voucher program in which all families with school-age children could participate. If Proposition 38 is approved, parents could obtain a chit from the state worth $4,000 and move their child from their public school to a private school. This would significantly alter how all schools are financed throughout the state.

This policy brief speaks to six major questions:

• What are the key elements of Prop. 38?
• Does Prop. 38 differ much from the earlier voucher initiative considered by California voters in 1993?
• Which families would likely benefit from the voucher program envisioned in Prop. 38?
• How would Prop. 38 affect school spending—and taxpayers?
• Have voucher experiments raised achievement after children enter private and parochial schools?
• How sold are parents and voters on vouchers?