(NAPS)—As the current admin- istration shines a spotlight on school choice, families around the country are opening their minds to new educational opportunities. Many states are inspired by Indiana’s tax-credit scholarships and school voucher program, which, a recent Ed- Choice and Hanover Research study dis- covered, are not only popular, butalso increase parental involvement in their children’s education. Indianais hometo the nation’slargest, single statewide school voucher program. Vouchers give parents the freedom to choose private schoolfor their children usingall or part of the public fundingset asidefor their children’s education. Key Findings New study finds families are highly satisfied with school choice programs. Most parents whose kids are not participating in the programs would if they qualified or if the award amount fully covered tuition and expenses. On average, three-fifths of parents Here's whatthe survey found: e The vast majority of parents are somewhat or completely satisfied with the state’s voucher and tax-credit scholarship programs. Sixty-one percent say they communicate with teachers and participate in schoolactivities more and 55 percent say they volunteer or perform commu- using the programs found it somewhat or very easyto find their children’s current schools. Manyparents and educators believe all families deserve the opportunity to choose the best educationalfit for their Parents value the opportunity to choose a school they believe is a better fit for their child. Parents also value the freedom to choose a schooloutside their neighborhood. Private school parents are significantly more likely than district school parents to report satisfaction with their children’s current schools. Ofthe students whohaveleft school dedicated to advancing full and unencumbered educational choice as the best pathway to successful lives and a stronger society. “Indianais a national leader when it comes to the way our programs operate and the numberof students we're because they graduated or program restrictions rendered them ineligible. Few if any leave because they're unhappy with the program ortheir schools. More than a third of parents who never had a child in the programs were unawareof them. need to do a better job letting them know those optionsare out there?” nity service more. choice programs, most have done so children, regardless of their income or zip code. That's the idea behind EdChoice, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization able to serve, but we've still got work to do makingsure families know these pro- gramsareavailableto help their students,” said Robert Enlow, the group’s president and CEO.“Parents want options, and we Learn More For more information on school choice, visit www.edchoice.org. To see the entire report, go to www.edchoice. org/WhyINParentsChoose.
