Saving Schools, Mini-Course 4: School Choice - Harvard University

This mini-course focuses on alternatives to public schools in the United States.

There has been a rapid expansion of school choice in U.S. education. Charter schools now serve over five percent of the public school population, voucher programs have been introduced in many states, and digital education has captured the attention of educators across the country. What is the theoretical basis for these innovations? How effective are the early initiatives? How do parents decide what is best for their children? And how do all of these options affect the students who remain in traditional public schools?

With the help of several scholars and participants in these new ventures, we will discuss the ways in which these school choice initiatives are re-shaping U. S. education.

This mini-course contains five lectures, with most lectures divided into three videos. The mini-courses also includes assigned readings, discussion forums, and assessments.

• The theories and implementation of alternative schools of choice (via vouchers or charter schools) in the U.S.
• The development and possible future for digital learning in the U.S.
• The methodological tools necessary to understand education research