The Impact of Targeted School Vouchers on Racial Stratification in Louisiana Schools

• In Event: 72.048 - School Vouchers: Impacts and Responses

Abstract

This article analyzes the racial stratification impacts of the Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP), a statewide school voucher program targeted to low-income families. We use student-level data to track individuals as they switch schools in order to measure the impact of the LSP on racial stratification in both public and private schools. In general, our analysis indicates that LSP transfers have reduced racial stratification in the voucher students’ former public schools, but have marginally increased stratification in the private schools. Eighty-two percent of all student transfers reduce racial stratification in traditional public schools that students depart when they participate in the voucher program compared to just 45% in participating LSP private schools.  

Authors

• Anna J. Egalite, North Carolina State University

• Jonathan N Mills, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

• Patrick J. Wolf, University of Arkansas