Increased Parental Involvement

and Satisfaction

More Involvement

Studies have shown, and every educator will agree, that parental involvement in a child’s education is the strongest predictor of academic success.  This is yet another reason why school choice improves student performance.  Not only does it force schools to perform better, but it inherently increases parental involvement.

With school choice, parents must actively choose their child's school.  That's a big investment, and when people invest time and resources into something, they are that much more committed to it.

In addition, school choice gives parents greater ability to impact their child's education.  No longer alienated or reduced to doing menial tasks, parents will be allowed to play a greater role in their child's education on almost every level.  As a result, their relationship with the school will turn to a one of partnership rather than antogonism.

More Satisfaction

"Every one of the voucher programs studied has resulted in enthusaustic support from parents. Parents of voucher recipients report substantially higher levels of satisfaction with the quality of education their children receive in private schools.  Parents also report that their private schools are safer, more responsive, and staffed with better teachers." (Jay Greene, Education Myths 2005)

The reason for this is simple: no parent would freely place their child in a school that did not meet their standards of excellence.