Dynamic Trends in Kindergarten Enrollment Patterns in Publicly Funded Schools of Choice

• In Event: Roundtable Session 36
  In Roundtable Session: Markets and Educational Policy: Potential and Pitfalls

Abstract

In recent years, a number of significant policy initiatives have taken place in publicly funded early education, including increases in elementary schools of choice (open enrollment, charter, and magnet). This project examined two nationally representative data sets (ECLS-K 1998-1999 and ECLS-K 2010-2011) to compare historical changes in the selection characteristics that predict children’s enrollment in public elementary schools of choice versus regular public schools. Weighted, logistic regression models predicting school type (choice vs. regular) revealed an increase in highly educated parents enrolling their children in schools of choice. Hispanic (native and immigrant) parents’ preference for schools of choice remained the most stable over time, and parents were increasingly influenced by children’s behaviors when making public school choices.

Authors

• Heather J. Bachman, University of Pittsburgh

• Leanne Elliott, University of Pittsburgh

• Paul Wesley Scott, University of Pittsburgh