Arena models developed by T. Mazzoni relating to policy innovation are applied to the passage of open enrollment legislation in Ohio. The macro arena was relatively inactive, but a shift from the subsystem to the leadership arena occurred, partially validating Mazzoni's revised model. (SLD)

This document describes the numbers of Minnesota students who are actively selecting their schools, and the number of Minnesota school districts offering options from which families may select. The first section explains the different kinds of school choice offered to Minnesota students. The second section illustrates the change in Minnesotans'…

School choice advocates made many advances in 1994, and many states seem ready to pass school choice legislation in 1995. This report describes the state of school choice efforts in the individual states. School choice advocates look for action by the Federal Government as Congress discusses ways to help states implement choice, whether by…

This article describes a study of enrollment patterns under the Massachusetts open enrollment law as of fall 1992. Results from 33, districts with 20 or more school-choice transfers, show that families generally enroll children in schools with higher indicators of performance and higher socioeconomic status. (SLD)

State legislatures have become increasingly willing to experiment with school choice. Since 1985, more than half the states have passed school choice laws. This article reports on a survey conducted in the summer of 1991 and updated in the fall of that year that focuses on state choice statutes. Six categories of school choice laws are discussed:…

In 1996, many states took action to give parents greater control over the education of their children. Many local school boards adopted initiatives to give parents educational choice and the ability to use vouchers to help pay tuition costs at schools of their choice. Over 200 new charter schools opened in 17 states, and an additional 6 states and…

This report presents an analysis of the school choice movement throughout the United States, and a state-by-state analysis that provides snapshots of each state's progress toward school choice and charter schools. The Children's Scholarship Fund found that 1.25 million low-income parents would take advantage of scholarships that would allow their…

Two federal statutes govern the provisions for special education in public schools. Briefly describes these laws and some of the challenges to their compliance within the school choice context. Describes and analyzes four case studies representing four types of school choice plans currently in operation. Offers recommendations for policymakers.…

During 1999, the school choice movement succeeded in winning the enactment of an education tax credit program in Illinois and two new charter school laws, in addition to the sweeping (although subsequently overturned) school choice plan in Florida. Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Texas also attempted to enact school choice legislation. In addition,…

Explains and analyzes open-enrollment plans, current open-enrollment legislation, and the Omaha (Nebraska) School District's attempt to balance goals of integration and open enrollment. Provides recommendations for educational and legislative reform in the area of public school choice. (198 references) (MLF)

Explores the legal aspects of choice programs affecting the education of children with disabilities. Concludes that states that have enacted choice programs have not designed the admissions processes nor the funding systems to eliminate discrimination against children with disabilities. (41 footnotes) (MLF)

This qualitative study examined the impact of open enrollment policies in Minnesota on eight school districts with larger than average transfers of students with disabilities. A series of case studies investigated implementation issues, effects on special education programs, effects on decision making in funding and planning, perceptions and…

State policymakers will want to make clear the intent of a policy on choice when they write their legislative bills. The purpose for the policy will help parents, students, educators, and the general public understand their action and the reasons for the action. This study discusses 11 issues included in legislative bills and gives a brief summary…