Abstract

This chapter reviews empirical evidence on the effectiveness of school vouchers, both in the United States and abroad. Its review is limited to experimental and quasi-experimental studies that estimate cause and effect of voucher programs, including those that are publicly and privately funded. Taking a student-centered approach, the chapter focuses on the effects of school vouchers on the students who use them, with particular attention to student achievement and college attendance and persistence as outcomes. It begins with a review of the grades of social science research to provide the reader with a better understanding of the types of evidence reported in subsequent sections. Given the lack of conclusive evidence on voucher efficacy, the chapter recommends that future research examines the degree to which program design, location, and funding source moderate effects.