Education vouchers: A neglected alternative

The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the use of vouchers as an education policy alternative. Three alternative education voucher schemes are analyzed according to the following criteria for policy evaluation: economic efficiency, equality of opportunity, equality of outcome, individual freedom, and paternalism. Each of the voucher proposals discussed here emphasizes different evaluative criteria. In determining which of these alternatives might be considered as an education policy alternative, analysts need to be aware of the potential trade-offs involved with each voucher plan.