The School Choice Hoax

The authors have advanced a novel, persuasive argument for a new and unique use of charter schools within school districts in ways that could make them model schools. This is must-reading for school administrators who are grappling with issues presented by disparities between schools in their districts and searching for equitable solutions that will make their districts shine. -- Anne Turnbaugh Lockwood, author of The Charter Schools Decade
As the debate about the effects of school choice policies rages on, Corwin and Schneider offer a pragmatist's solution to the 'school choice hoax'. These two Washington insiders argue that the public has been deceived by false promises that suggest the nation's worst schools will be fixed by school choice. They point to evidence that suggests the choice movement has not, and cannot, fix U.S. schools. Rather than reject school choice altogether, the authors argue for vouchers and charter schools (two popular and contentious forms of choice) to be combined into an integrated approach. This approach, which would put choice schools under the supervision of districts, would draw on the lessons learned from older reforms that have demonstrated success: the small schools initiatives, school-based management, magnets, networks of schools, and specialized alternative schools. Corwin and Schneider bring together insights and arguments that have been advanced on both sides of the choice debate. This novel approach is interesting, if not empirically well-supported. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, graduate students, faculty, and practitioners. * CHOICE *
The title, The School Choice Hoax, sums up the thesis of this well-researched and informative book....Corwin and Schneider do a thorough review of the schools' performance, with plenty of data to support their evidence. * School Administrator, January 2009 *
Based on an honest and well-researched description of education for poor children in this country, the authors have recommended strategies for systemic change to solve the problem. If you're really serious about closing the achievement gap, you have to read this book. -- Joseph J. Cirasuolo, Ed.D., past president, American Association of School Administrators