Study released by the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation, Agudath Israel, Black Alliance for Educational Options, Catholic Conference of Illinois, The Champion Foundation, Congress for New Urbanism, Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options, Illinois Policy Institute, and School Choice Illinois found that over half of Illinoisans are disappointed with the current system of regular public schools and if given the choice they choose a private school, homeschooling or a public charter school.
Some key findings include:
Illinoisans are disappointed with the current system of regular public schools�57 percent rated Illinois� public school system as �poor� or �fair�. This sentiment is most acute among 36 to 55 year-olds (69%), African-Americans (65%), Asians (69%), Women (61%), and those who live in the Chicago area (62%).
Approximately one out of five Illinoisans (19%) say a regular public school is their top preference for their child�s school.
Illinois voters definitely value private schools and charter schools. When asked �what type of school would you select in order to obtain the best education for your child?�, it is evident Illinoisans prefer to choose private schools (39%) over other types of schools. Charter schools (23%) are the second most desired option.
About half of Illinoisans support school vouchers�51 percent of likely voters said they were personally favorable toward a school voucher approach for helping parents pay for the school where they choose to send their child.
Illinois voters solidly support tax credit scholarships for public policy. When asked �if a proposal were made in Illinois to create a tax credit scholarship policy,� 54 percent said they favored this policy. Tax credit
scholarship support climbs to 59 percent among 36 to 55 year-olds.
Illinois voters are more likely to vote for a state representative, state senator, or Governor who supports school vouchers.
View Research Publication at: http://www.friedmanfoundation.org/friedman/downloadFile.do?id=260