School choice is more than just better test scores. It enhances the character of students and families.
This often overlooked fact is evident in the study Private School Choice and Character: More Evidence from Milwaukee by Corey DeAngelis, Director of School Choice at Reason Foundation, and Dr. Patrick Wolf, Distinguished Professor of Education Policy and 21st Century Endowed Chair in School Choice in the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions.
DeAngelis and Wolf joined us for a webinar highlighting their findings about school choice’s impact on student character. These included:
- 53 percent in drug convictions
- 86 percent reduction of property damage convictions
- 38 percent reduction in paternity suits
These findings show private school choice enhances the overall life of students, allowing them advantages they would not have otherwise had. DeAngelis said school choice “strengthens the family unit.” Wolf agreed and said, this provides societal benefits of “economically and socially responsible citizens.”
In his closing remarks, DeAngelis reminded everyone that “school choice is criminal justice reform.”
- Dr. Patrick Wolf on Twitter
- Corey DeAngelis on Twitter
- DeAngelis/Wolf writeup on the discussed study
- DeAngelis/Wolf first study on character and the Milwaukee voucher program
- Studies of character in public charter schools and open enrollment choice
- Review of studies on private and charter school studies
- Civics, another non-cognitive character trait of school choice