Evaluating Preferences for Private School Choice: Insights from a Conjoint Experiment

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Data, Accountability, and Political Contexts in Education Finance

Abstract

Among the states with private school choice, programs vary in eligibility rules, funding levels, and regulation of private schools. Using a conjoint experiment, we examine how variation in these policy attributes shape public support. In general, we find respondents prefer universal programs over those with eligibility requirements and favor holding private schools to public-school standards on testing and anti-discrimination. Preferences vary by parental status, type of school attended, rural residence, partisanship, race, and income, suggesting personal interests influence support. These findings highlight attitudes about the perceived goals of education in America, who should have access to state-funded programs, and accountability requirements for private institutions receiving public funding.

Authors

• Sara Booher, Grinnell College

• Paul Hutchison, Grinnell College

• Andreas Jozwiak, Grinnell College