School Choice

Abstract In recent years voucher programs that permit the use of publicly funded monies to pay for private schools have emerged as a proposed solution to perceived problems within the public school system. Lost in this debate are the implications of choice based proposals for children with disabilities. In this article the authors examine the legal basis for special education services and explore the extent to which the rights of children in a private choice based system would be protected. The authors conclude that serious questions of equity exist, with the dis-enfranchisement of children with special needs a likely consequence if vouchers are adopted on a broad scale.