Many agree with the concept of parental choice for their kids� education. Some (primarily those who are dependent or in bed with the government) disagree. And others simply want more information.
The Nevada Policy Research Institute and the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice provided that information late last month when they announced the results of a statewide survey on Nevadans� attitudes toward the state�s education system. The results indicate both widespread dissatisfaction with Nevada�s public education system and majority support for several measures that would give parents more control over their children�s education.
A majority of Nevadans are not satisfied with the current system of regular public schools, as 53 percent rate the state�s public school system as �poor� or �fair.� Among 36- to 55-year-olds, who tend to be most emotionally and financially invested in K-12 schooling, this number jumps to nearly 60 percent.
Only one out of ten Nevadans say a regular public school is the top choice for their child�s school. What�s this mean? Citizens want more school options. A majority indicated they either strongly favor or somewhat favor programs that would give parents more choices in the education system, including special needs scholarships (56 percent), charter schools (55 percent) and school vouchers (54 percent).
Furthermore, Nevada voters overwhelmingly prefer private schools and charter schools. When asked �what type of school would you select in order to obtain the best education for your child?� Nevadans preferred private schools (48 percent) over other types of schools. Charter schools (23 percent) were the second most desired option while 15 percent said they would home school their children.
�These results ought to serve as a wake-up call to Nevada�s educational leaders that the state�s public education system is not meeting the needs of parents or children,� said NPRI Communications Director Andy Matthews. �It is clear that Nevadans are doubtful of the effectiveness of our monolithic public education system and want more choice when it comes to how their children are educated.�
The scientifically representative survey of 1,000 likely Nevada voters was conducted Dec. 14-16, 2007 by Strategic Vision, LLC, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent. Survey co-sponsors include Agudath Israel, the Black Alliance for Educational Options, the Center for Charter School Development, the Center for Education Reform, the Nevada Business Journal and the Nevada Manufacturers Association. The full study is available at:
www.npri.org
