Picture of Independence Institute

Independence Institute

Share

Education Vouchers: America Can't Afford To Wait

The shortcomings of government schools in America resemble those of collectivism in the former Soviet Union. Vouchers could improve the U.S education system, offering better opportunities for the poor and removing racial barriers. Vouchers would make all educators, public and private, play by the same consumer-imposed rules of high standards in academics and discipline.

IP-12-1991 (December 1991)
Author: Tom Tancredo

PDF of full Issue Paper
Scribd version of full Issue Paper

Executive Summary

  • The shortcomings of government schools in America resemble those of collectivism in the former Soviet Union.
  • Vouchers could improve the U.S education system, offering better opportunities for the poor and removing racial barriers.
  • Vouchers would make all educators, public and private, play by the same consumer-imposed rules of high standards in academics and discipline.
  • Vouchers would help the schools preserve a shared national culture by letting parents opt out of the radical multiculturalism now taking over government classrooms.
  • Vouchers would offer an option for parents who want their children to have the 3 Rs, and instruction in knowing right from wrong, instead of the mushy “affective” material that occupies nearly half the public school curriculum in some places.
  • By letting families vote with their dollars we can steer schools away from low-content, no-fault learning and back to the knowledge and values that make for effective citizenship; our nations very future is in the balance.

What Are They So Afraid Of?