PLATFORM : A Necessary Stick

We need a voucher system because it would empower parents and give public schools an incentive to be innovative and accountable. Currently, the public-school system can ignore parents with impunity. If parents are allowed to choose how part of their tax dollar is spent, they can pressure public schools to change and improve.

The objective is to provide choice and encourage public schools to focus more on classroom results. It’s necessary because public schools are not held accountable. For example, if a public school provides a good education, there are no rewards. On the other hand, those providing a poor education don’t have to worry about losing their jobs because their consumers--parents and students--don’t have a choice.

Currently, only richer families can afford to exercise a choice in education. Vouchers would help provide poorer families the empowerment that comes with choice.