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Public opinion on school choice: The Detroit metropolitan area

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Abstract

This paper analyzes public opinion on the issue of school choice using telephone survey data from the Detroit metropolitan area. Four choice plans are examined: within-district, cross-district, statewide, and tax-credit. There is substantial support for school choice, the level of support varying with the expansiveness of the choice plan, the geographical area, and the race of the respondent. Overall, the residents of the Detroit metropolitan area, as elsewhere in the United States, are receptive to the idea of school choice, despite the area's history of extreme racial segregation.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Political Science, Wayne State University, 48202, Detroit, MI

    John M. Strate

  2. Department of Political Science, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH

    Carter A. Wilson

Authors
  1. John M. Strate
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  2. Carter A. Wilson
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Additional information

This paper uses data from the Detroit Metropolitan Area Public Policy Survey (DMAPPS) II Study that was funded and conducted by the College of Urban, Labor, and Metropolitan Affairs of Wayne State University. The authors gratefully acknowledge the support and assistance of the college and its staff: Sue Marx Smock, Dean; Larry Ledebur, Director of the Center for Urban Studies; Neva Nahan, Director of Survey Operations; Melissa Motchall; and Amy Lobsiger.

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Strate, J.M., Wilson, C.A. Public opinion on school choice: The Detroit metropolitan area. Urban Rev 25, 123–137 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01137794

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01137794

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