School Choice and the Achievement Gap. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jeynes, William H.
• Is Part Of: Education and urban society. Volume 46:Number 2(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: choice -- educational policy -- school choice -- students -- urban education; Education, Urban -- Periodicals; 370.11505
• DOI: 10.1177/0013124512447101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-1245

Abstract

The possibility is examined that school choice programs could be a means to reducing the achievement gap. Data based on meta-analytic research and the examination of nationwide data sets suggest that school choice programs that include private schools could reduce the achievement gap by 25%. The propounding of this possibility is based on research indicating that the achievement gap in faith-based schools is generally 25% narrower than one finds in public schools. Results of these studies suggest that both the racial achievement gap and the socioeconomic achievement gap are reduced by the same degree (25%). The significance of these results is discussed, especially as it pertains to the attitudes that people frequently have toward school choice.