Most Americans Don't Understand Vouchers, According to Survey
There is a ‘gulf of understanding’ about private school vouchers
and charter schools in Wisconsin and the U.S., according to a new survey.
A national survey by Public Agenda found that most Americans do not understand
what vouchers and charter schools are. About 63% said they know nothing
or very little about vouchers.
Even in Milwaukee, which is home to the nation’s first voucher program,
60% of residents interviewed knew nothing or very little about the programs.
The poll also found:
- About two-thirds believe vouchers will not solve education problems
facing the nation.
- Americans want policy makers to concentrate on standards, discipline
and class size to improve public schools. A majority of people said
they would vote for school board candidates who believe the answer to
education problems is higher standards, better discipline, and smaller
class sizes.
- Two-thirds say America needs a strong public school system to maintain
a healthy democracy.
“This survey shows most people are not involved in the debate over
vouchers and charter schools,” WEAC President Terry Craney said.
“They believe public schools are an essential element of our society,
and that experiments will not make a significant difference. It will take
some educating of the public to show the harm vouchers are inflicting
on schools and children.”
Posted November 19, 1999