Parents want choice
The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice recently conducted a survey in Oregon along with the Cascade Policy Institute, asking parents how they would prefer to see their children educated. The survey found that almost nine out of 10 would prefer something other than a traditional public school.
The Friedman Foundation asked: "If it was your decision and you could select any type of school, what type of school would you select in order to obtain the best education for your child?"
The results:
- 44 percent selected private schools
- 24 percent selected charter schools
- 14 percent selected home schooling
- 13 percent selected regular public schools
- 5 percent selected virtual schools
The Friedman Foundation conducted a similar study with NPRI just last year, and found Nevadans have similar feelings about traditional public education:
- 48 percent selected private schools
- 23 percent selected charter schools
- 15 percent selected home schooling
- 11 percent selected regular public schools
- 3 percent selected virtual schools
That roughly nine out of 10 parents in each state would prefer educational options other than a traditional public school is telling. In fact, on the Nevada survey, 14 percent of respondents rated the state's public education system "poor," while 39 percent rated it "fair." A combined total of just 28 percent rated it "good" or "excellent."
Clearly, Nevada needs education reform, and parental choice appears to be a popular way to go.
