The Impact of Limited School Choice on Public School Districts [Mackinac Center]

Case studies of how school districts in Michigan's largest county are responding to competition from charter schools and public "schools-of-choice"

Contents

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Executive Summary
Introduction
Methodology
Why Competition in Education?
Previous Studies Detect Public Schools' Competitive Response to Charter Schools and Public "Schools-of-Choice"
The Impact of Competition on School Districts of the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency
- The Nature and Extent of Public-School Competition in Wayne County
- Responses to Competition among Public School Districts in Wayne County
  - The Impact of Charter Schools in Wayne County
    - Dearborn: A Traditional Public School District Accepts the Charter School Challenge
    - Flat Rock: A Small District Hosting a Large Charter School
  - The Impact of Public "Schools-of-Choice" in Wayne County
Competition May Put Some Schools "Out of Business"
- Inkster: Victim of Competition?
- Will Children Benefit?
Conclusion: Competition Is Improving Public Schools for Michigan Children
Recommendations: Increase Choice and Competition in Education
Appendix I: Student Enrollment in Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency Public School Districts, 1995-1999
Appendix II: Dearborn Theme Schools and Academies
Endnotes
Acknowledgments and About the Authors