Issues in the national school choice debate are examined in this paper. Proponents of school choice have included the last two Republican Presidents, the Education Commission of the States, and many state governors and business community leaders. Gallup polls conducted during 1989-91 indicate that school choice (among public schools) is a popular concept among parents. Opponents fear a lack of government commitment for funding, inequitable funding, and the creation of unequal schools. They also cite research findings indicating that parental choice is often based on parental convenience rather than on academic opportunities. An analysis of articles on choice in educational journals from 1982-91 ("Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature" and ERIC) shows the extent to which choice has become an issue within the educational community. The proliferation of journal coverage on choice raises the question of why the topic receives so much continued attention if there are so many problems. It is suggested that choice may only be a popular slogan with little impact on the delivery of education. It is recommended that options with greater chances of renewing the American educational system be discussed. Two figures are included. (Contains 19 references.) (LMI)