Educational Media Reviews Online

The quality of public education in the United States varies widely from neighborhood to neighborhood and is often deficient in nonwhite and poor school districts. Most Americans believe that every child has a right to a good public education and are finding that charter schools and voucher systems offer another option to provide a quality education. The second part of the two part series, Alternative Education: Choices Beyond the Public School System, this video "examines the debate on school choice and looks at how charter schools and voucher systems are changing the way Americans think about the fundamental freedom of a right to a free education."

The film features the controversial voucher system in place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin since 1990 and the use of public tax dollars to fund education for students to attend private schools. It examines the proponent and opposing views and illustrates how the crisis in American public schools makes a voucher system an alternative for parents to consider. The film also discusses the historical background of charter schools with information on the operation of the schools and the success of the programs. The film includes survey information and excellent statistics with research based facts to give a balanced view of the current status of charter schools. There are good graphics to highlight the statistics.

The current debate on alternative educational choices is likely to continue with resolution provided by a future U.S. Supreme Court decision. The balanced reporting in this film provides excellent information to help viewers understand both sides of the issues. Comments from students, parents, teachers, university professors, and educational consultants give specific viewpoints and further insight. Technically, the color is excellent with clear audio and smooth sequences of the individual interviews.

Recommended for public libraries and universities with Schools or Colleges of Education.