Module Four Part IV

After thinking about the section, what I read and discussed as a group school choice does improve public 

education. By highlighting the growing popularity of school choice, advocates argue that school choice 

improves public education by fostering competition, empowering parents, and providing better 

opportunities for students, particularly those in underserved communities. A central argument in favor of 

school choice is that it introduces market dynamics into the education system. By allowing parents to 

choose where to send their children, whether to public, charter, private, or magnet schools, schools must 

compete to attract and retain students. This competition incentivizes schools to improve the quality of 

education, adopt innovative practices, and become more accountable to the needs of families. Adding to 

that, In the traditional public school system, students are often assigned schools based on geographic 

boundaries, which critics argue leads to complacency in some districts. The school choice model 

challenges this status quo by creating a system where underperforming schools face consequences for 

failing to attract students. This dynamic pushes schools to prioritize academic performance, teacher 

quality, and resource allocation to remain viable.

Another significant benefit of school choice highlighted in the documentary is the empowerment of 

parents, particularly those from low-income and marginalized communities. Traditionally, wealthier 

families have had the ability to choose better schools by moving to districts with higher-performing 

schools or paying for private education. School choice seeks to extend similar options to families who 

may not have the financial means to relocate or pay tuition. Through mechanisms such as vouchers, 

charter schools, and open enrollment policies, parents can select schools that align with their values, 

priorities, or their children’s specific educational needs. This empowerment helps ensure that families are 

not trapped in failing schools simply because of their ZIP codes. The Mondale presents examples of 

families who have used school choice to access schools with specialized programs, smaller class sizes, or 

safer environments, which they believe better serve their children. A key focus of school choice advocates 

is its potential to provide better educational opportunities for students in historically underserved 

communities. In areas where public schools have struggled due to inadequate funding, high teacher 

turnover, or systemic challenges, school choice offers an alternative. Charter schools, for instance, often 

operate in these communities and claim to deliver higher academic achievement and more personalized 

instruction. The textbook highlights cases where school choice has helped narrow achievement gaps, 

particularly for minority and low-income students. These success stories illustrate the potential for school 

choice to disrupt cycles of poverty and underperformance. By giving students access to high-quality 

education, school choice proponents argue that these reforms can pave the way for greater social mobility 

and long-term community improvement. Lastly, school choice is also seen as a driver of innovation in 

education. Charter schools, which operate independently of many traditional public school regulations, 

often experiment with new teaching methods, curricula, and administrative structures. These innovations, 

if successful, can serve as models for traditional public schools, sparking broader improvements in the 

education system. The flexibility of the school choice model allows educators to tailor programs to meet 

diverse student needs. For instance, some schools may focus on STEM education, arts integration, or 

project-based learning, offering specialized options that traditional public schools may struggle to provide. 

This diversity in educational approaches can inspire reform and progress across the system.