- Evaluation Studies Underway
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Teacher Quality
- Choice
- Charter Schools
- D.C. Choice
- English Language Learning
- Effectiveness of Educational Technology Interventions
- Supplemental Educational Services
- After-School Programs
- School-Based Violence Prevention Program
- Adult Education
- Student Mentoring Program
- Random Mandatory Drug Testing Study
- Comprehensive Technical Assistance Centers
- Magnet School Assistance Program
- Technical Assistance
- Special Education
Evaluation of the Impact of the DC Choice Program
Contractor: Westat and University of Arkansas
Key Staff:
Babette Guttman, Westat
Patrick Wolf, Arkansas
Research Questions:
- What is the impact of the scholarship program on student academic achievement and other student outcomes? What is the impact of attending private versus public schools?
- What effect does the program have on student and parent perceptions of school safety and satisfaction?
- To what extent is the program influencing schools and expanding choice for parents in Washington, DC?
Design: The DC Choice Program was enacted into law in early 2004 to provide scholarships of up to $7,500 to enable low-income elementary and secondary residents of the District to attend private schools. The act also mandated an independent evaluation of the program.
The evaluation is based primarily on a randomized control trial, comparing outcomes of approximately 2,300 students randomly assigned by lottery to either receive a scholarship or not receive a scholarship. Lotteries of student applicants took place in spring 2004 (for student enrollment in fall 2004) and spring 2005 (for enrollment in fall 2005). Data will be collected for four follow up years, for students in both the scholarship and non-scholarship groups. The contractor is administering academic assessments, and conducting student, parent, and principal surveys each spring.
Duration: 6.5 years (July 2004–January 2011)
Reports: To download copies of recent impact reports go to: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/pubs/20084023.asp and http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/pubs/20074009/index.asp
To download a copy of two early descriptive reports go to: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/pubs/dcchoiceyeartwo.asp (year 2); http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/pubs/dc_choice.asp (year 1)
The third year impact report and the final report on this study will be announced on http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/.
Current Status: (August 2008) The first and second annual reports were published in spring 2005 and 2006, respectively, and described student and school participation in the program. The third (spring 2007) and fourth (spring 2008) reports provide information on the impacts after one year and two years of participation in the program.
