Connecticut Commentary: Red Notes from a Blue State

Q. What’s the best strategy for closing the gap [between black and white students] and what in your view are the prospects for success? A. Abigail Thernstrom: If I had my druthers, I would turn every urban school into a charter school and with the bucks stopping on the principal’s desk. A. Stephen Thernstrom: I wouldn’t want to restrict the choice made available to students to charter schools. I see no reason why we cannot make it through some kind of voucher plan. San Diego San Diego Union Tribune, November 13, 2005 Vouchers, besides charter schools and private schools, are covered in Herbert J. Walberg ’s new book, SCHOOL CHOICE, THE FINDINGS . It contains solid empirical evidence on all schools including private schools, secular and parochial. Walberg, an expert on effective educational practices and research methods, has fitted the findings into a tiny paperback which will fit into a pocket or pocketbook. The findings are from all...