Educational Privatization Models

There is a growing number of families and politicians in the United States who believe that educational privatization options meet the needs of students better than public schools. Significant investments have been made in such privatization options as charter schools, private schools, and home schools. The topic may be examined from many perspectives, and, in this Discussion, you will research educational privatization approaches from an empirical perspective. In this way, you will be prepared to engage in the broader community discussions that you will likely be a part of in your professional future.

To prepare for this Discussion, read the following resources representing three educational privatization approaches. As you read, look for empirically backed benefits.

On Charter Schools

Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier Science

Zimmer, R., & Buddin, R. (2010). The economics of charter schools. In P. Peterson (Ed.), International encyclopedia of education (pp. 360–366). Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier Science.

On Private Schools

National Center for Educational Statistics

Braun, H., Jenkins, F., & Grigg, W. (2006). Comparing private schools and public schools using hierarchical linear modeling. Washington, DC: National Center for Educational Statistics. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pdf/studies/2006461.pdf

Center on Education Policy

Wenglinsky, H. (2007). Are private high schools better academically than public high schools? Washington, DC: Center on Education Policy. Retrieved from http://www.cep-dc.org/cfcontent_file.cfm?Attachment=Wenglinsky_Report_PrivateSchool_101007.pdf

Belfield, C. (2008). Home schooling. In H. Ladd & E. Fiske (Eds.), Handbook of research in education finance and policy (pp. 467–474). New York, NY:Routledge.

How to improve education options for U.S. children

Scenario: You have been asked to serve on a political committee interested in advocating for changes to improve education options for U.S. children. You are invited as a credible education expert.

attributes of charter schools, private schools, and home schools

Based on empirical research, what attributes of charter schools, private schools, and home schools justify the use of public funds as a means of improving education? Which of the non-public options would you recommend and why? Cite resources to defend your position.