Free to Choose
After 50 years, education vouchers are beginning to catch on.
BY MILTON FRIEDMAN
Little did I know when I published an article in 1955 on "The Role of Government in Education" that it would lead to my becoming an activist for a major reform in the organization of schooling, and indeed that my wife and I would be led to establish a foundation to promote parental choice.
The original article was not a reaction to a perceived deficiency in schooling. The quality of schooling in the United States then was far better than it is now, and both my wife and I were satisfied with the public schools we had attended.
My interest was in the philosophy of a free society.
...public interest in and support for vouchers and tax credits continues to grow.
Legislative proposals to channel government funds directly to students rather than to schools are under consideration in something like 20 states.
Sooner or later there will be a breakthrough; we shall get a universal voucher plan in one or more states.
When we do, a competitive private educational market serving parents who are free to choose the school they believe best for each child ...
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110006796
What we need is less politics in education and better attitudes and efforts by all involved.