The NCSPE maintains links to researchers, journals, newspapers and other organizations that offer diverse perspectives on educational privatization. Many sites are sponsored by organizations with strong political viewpoints, and include a broad range of positions for and against privatization. The NCSPE does not endorse these sites, and provides links to them as a public service.
Tend to Oppose Privatization in Education
Advocacy Groups
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
"School voucher programs undermine two great American traditions: universal public education and the separation of church and state. Instead of embracing vouchers, communities across the country should dedicate themselves to finding solutions that will be available to every American schoolchild and that take into account the important legacy of the First Amendment."
“The Council of the Great City Schools is a coalition of 64 of the nation's largest urban public school systems. Founded in 1956 and incorporated in 1961, the Council is located in
Washington
D.C.
, where it works to promote urban education through legislation, research, media relations, instruction, management, technology, and other special projects designed to improve the quality of urban education. The Council serves as the national voice for urban educators, providing ways to share promising practices and address common concerns.”
Education Minnesota
"Education Minnesota is 70,000 educators working together for excellence in education for all Minnesota students. Education Minnesota opposes the diversion of local, state or federal tax dollars to private or religious schools or educational programs through a voucher system, an income tax credit for tuition and fees, or income tax deductions for tuition and fees for education programs."
National Education Association (NEA)
The NEA is opposed to vouchers as a method for school improvement. "In general, evaluations of voucher students' achievement show no or only small improvements relative to comparable public school students....NEA believes that instead of diverting scarce school resources to vouchers for a select few, we should help public schools work for all students by instituting proven reform efforts to increase student achievement, improve teacher quality, and set high standards." The NEA has concerns about the effectiveness of charter school plans as well.
National PTA
"The National PTA believes that public education provides a common experience for building and maintaining a commitment to the basic values of a democratic system of government. A strong public education system is vital to America's well-being." Furthermore, "National PTA supports public funds for public schools only and opposes using tax dollars to finance education vouchers for private and religious schools."
National School Boards Association
"The NSBA urges Congress to oppose any efforts to subsidize elementary or secondary private, religious or home schools with public tax dollars. Specifically, NSBA opposes the creation of tax credits and tax subsidies that in any form are targetted to the tuition or expenses of for non-public K-12 schools. Rather than diverting scarce tax dollars away from our public school classrooms, NSBA urges Congress to support improvements in our public schools." NSBA does support a local school board's discretion to contrast with private providers for non-instructional services.
People for the American Way
People for the American Way is an organization whose larger goal is the defense of the democratic values of "pluralism, individuality, and freedom of thought, expression and religion." Supporting public schools and defeating voucher legislation are major interests.
Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA)
The PSEA was founded "to advance quality public education for all students while fostering the dignity and worth of members through collective action." They have passed resolutions opposing vouchers and tuition tax credits, and stating that "any charter/cyber-charter school proposal must directly involve public school employees in the design, implementation, and governance of these schools and programs.... [and] must not divert current funds from any public school programs."
Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC)
"The WEAC believes that voucher plans and tuition tax credits or finding formulas that have the same effect - under which pre-K through 12 nonpublic school education is subsidized by tax monies - undermine public education, reduce the support needed to adequately fund public education, and have the potential for racial, economic, and social segregation of children. The Council opposes all attempts to establish and/or implement such plans."
Research and Policy Organizations
Education Policy Studies Unit at Arizona State University
“ESPL conducts original research, analyzes the research of other organizations and individuals, and facilitates the implementation of innovations in areas such a student performance standards, assessments, and curriculum. Comprising five related projects and housed in the College of Education at ASU, EPSL disseminates its reports to policy makers, educators, and the public.” Site hosts two research units, Commercialism in Education Research Unit (CERU) and Education Policy Research Institute (EPRI) and an on-line journal, Education Policy Analysis Archives (EPAA). The research section contains articles on school reform and for-profits among EMO's catering to charter schools.
Progressive Policy Institute
Washington-based institute affiliated with the Democratic Leadership Council. Its mission is “to modernize progressive politics and government for the Information Age.” Sponsors extensive research on school choice and vouchers. Site offers downloadable versions of many of the resulting papers, including evaluations of voucher and choice programs in several U.S. cities.
Research Journals
Education Policy Studies Unit at Arizona State University
“ESPL conducts original research, analyzes the research of other organizations and individuals, and facilitates the implementation of innovations in areas such a student performance standards, assessments, and curriculum. Comprising five related projects and housed in the College of Education at ASU, EPSL disseminates its reports to policy makers, educators, and the public.” Site hosts two research units, Commercialism in Education Research Unit (CERU) and Education Policy Research Institute (EPRI) and an on-line journal, Education Policy Analysis Archives (EPAA). The research section contains articles on school reform and for-profits among EMO's catering to charter schools.
Rethinking Schools Online: An Urban Educational Journal
Wisconsin-based Rethinking Schools is a small non-profit publisher of educational materials. In regards to vouchers, they believe that "Public schools are essential to reaching our potential as a more democratic America. The voucher movement betrays that potential. Its goal is the dismantling of public education." (from editorial in Vol. 13, No.1 - Fall 1998. It has covered the school voucher controversy since Milwaukee became the first city with such a program in 1990, provides a range of articles on the topic. Also covers a number of topics on education reform through articles and publications.
Teachers' Unions
American Federation of Teachers
The American Federation of Teachers is a nationwide labor union representing primarily teachers and educators. They are principally against privatization and school voucher plans.
Canadian Union of Public Employees
Canada’s largest union with 485,000 members who work for school boards, hospitals, municipalities, universities, public utilities, homes for the aged, day-care centers, children’s aid societies, libraries, transit systems, emergency services and other publicly funded employers. Site includes the ‘Annual Report on Privatization’ with an education section titled ‘Private Lessons’.
