The voucher model of financing schooling is becoming increasingly common throughout Latin America, with at least 12 countries using vouchers or voucherlike schemes. The present study focuses on the voucher models of Colombia and Chile, which have the most extensive programs of this type and those of the longest standing in the region. Using empirical evidence, the author compares the two models along four evaluative dimensions: educational quality, segregation, choice and socialization. After weighing the successes and weaknesses of each system, he concludes that, among other characteristics, the most effective and equitable voucher model features: (a) a flexible interpretation of educational quality; (b) financial grants which target solely the poor; (c) vouchers which cover the entire cost of tuition; (d) open enrolment at participating schools; (e) the participation of both secular and religious private schools; (f) accessible and meaningful information to parents; and (g) strong systems of accountability.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2006 Springer
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Arenas, A. (2006). Privatisation and Vouchers in Colombia and Chile. In: Zajda, J. (eds) Decentralisation and Privatisation in Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3358-2_10
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3358-2_10
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-3357-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-3358-2
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and LawEducation (R0)