School Vouchers

School Vouchers are certificates which give parents the ability to pay for all or part of their children's education at the school of their choice through the use of federal funds. Often the focus of state legislation efforts, school vouchers are extremely controversial.

Though arguments for and against school vouchers are varied, supporters of the program typically argue that more lower-income students will have the chance to achieve a strong education. Since funds go to the schools that are performing well, proponents of school vouchers say that schools will have an incentive to do well and improve of their own accord.

Opponents of the program criticize supporters for asserting that public school students have no choices in their education. They argue that test scores are similar among public and private schools, and that increased vouchers unnecessarily weaken an already troubled public school system. Fast Facts:

1. In the 1950s, Milton Friedman introduced the concept of school vouchers
2. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan's school voucher proposals are defeated by Congress
3. In 1990, the state of Wisconsin becomes the first to implement school voucher programs in its Milwaukee schools

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