School Choice Grows—With Scarce Evidence on Effects

Spring 1999 PACE Newsletter, Volume 2, Number 1.

This newsletter from Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) addresses several key topics related to education policy in California, including school choice, student mobility, welfare reform and child care, affirmative action in university admissions, and education reforms under Governor Pete Wilson.

The school choice movement is growing across California and the United States, with various alternatives to traditional public schools including vouchers, charter schools, tax credits, magnet schools, and open enrollment. Despite political and public support, there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of school choice programs. PACE reports highlight a lack of reliable data on whether student achievement improves in charter schools, as well as concerns about the potential for vouchers to promote socioeconomic and racial segregation.

Student mobility is another major issue discussed, with a PACE study conducted by Russell W Rumberger and Katherine Larson examining how non-promotional school changes affect California’s K-12 students, particularly at the secondary level. The study finds that student mobility is more widespread in California than in other states, especially among low-income and minority students. Mobility is associated with lower test scores, higher dropout rates, and other negative academic and social outcomes. The researchers recommend policies to reduce unnecessary mobility and support highly mobile students to improve their academic success.

Welfare reform and child care are also highlighted through the Caring for Children Study, conducted by researchers at PACE and Yale University. The study investigates how welfare reform impacts children’s development and access to child care, particularly among low-income families. It notes that many welfare mothers face significant challenges in finding affordable, quality child care, which may negatively affect their employment opportunities and children’s well-being.

The end of affirmative action in California and Texas is highlighted as a critical issue affecting university admissions. New admissions criteria, developed to comply with laws banning race-based admissions policies, attempt to maintain diversity through alternative methods such as considering socioeconomic status, school characteristics, and personal challenges. However, the long-term effectiveness of these new criteria remains uncertain.

Education reforms initiated by Governor Pete Wilson are also discussed, focusing on class size reduction, charter school authorization, increased accountability, and enhanced teacher training and development. Wilson’s administration aimed to raise standards, end social promotion, and expand after-school programs, among other measures.

The newsletter also provides updates on various PACE research projects and publications, including studies on child care supply and demand, comparisons between public and private school effectiveness, and the revival of PACE’s popular Conditions of Education publication. A media seminar discussing education reform topics related to Proposition 8 is also featured.

Overall, it offers a comprehensive overview of pressing education issues in California, highlighting ongoing research and policy debates aimed at improving educational outcomes for students across the state.