Taking Pulse Of Voters On School Choice Issues (NAPSA)—Infive recent state surveys, more than four out of five parents said they would choose a school other than their regular public school—such as a private, charter, virtual or home school—if they could. A sixth survey found that nearly three out of four parents—73 percent— would opt for schools other than the traditional public school. These public opinion surveys, conducted by the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, all point to the same conclusion: Parents want more educational choices. Begun three years ago, Friedman’s “Survey in the State” series examines the viewsof likely voters on school choice and other K12 education issues. By the end of 2008, polls will have been conducted in 11 states. “The results so far indicate that parents overwhelmingly are in favor of additional educational options for their children,” says Robert Enlow, executive director of the Friedman Foundation. “We’re seeing strong support for schooling options beyond the tra- ditional public school setting.” Amongthe findings thusfar: *Culturally different states share a common desire for access to more school options. Respondents are not satisfied with the current system of regular public schools. *Respondents are open-minded with respect to school choice reforms. * Voters favor both universaleligibility and financial need-based eligibility for school vouchers and scholarships. *Respondents are definitely open to new school models. Substantial support for school choice reforms exists among Democrats, independents and Republicans. Substantial support for school choice reforms cuts across major demographic subgroups. *Knowledge about school choice is at a low baseline in polled states. There is a large information deficit about school choice reforms. Complete survey results are available on the Foundation’s Web site, www.friedmanfoundation.org. “What type of school would you select in order to obtain the best education for your child?” (Percentage Responding by State) Private School Public School Home School Charter School Virtual School OK ID ™N NV IL GA 4] 17 19 17 6 39 12 21 25 3 37 15 18 28 2 48 11 15 23 3 39 19 17 23 2 43 27 16 na na
