Supreme Court Decision Hands Victory to Parents and Children, Especially Poor and Minority Children, Says Education Policy Expert

6/27/2002

From: Julie Majeres of the Pacific Research Institute, 415-989-0833 ext. 120

WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The was released today by the Pacific Research Institute:

Today, the Supreme Court handed a resounding victory to parents and children who wish to use vouchers to attend the school of their choice. Lance T. Izumi, a leading education policy expert, is available for comment on this historic decision.

"The Supreme Court has rightly recognized that school-choice programs are about empowering parents, not aiding religious institutions," said Izumi. "Under school choice, parents make the decision as to where to send their children to school, whether it be an independent or religious private school. This decision will give children, especially poor minority children, the opportunity to receive the high quality education that they need to succeed in life."

Lance T. Izumi is the Director of the Center for School Reform (CSR) at the California-based Pacific Research Institute (PRI). Izumi is the author of several major PRI education studies, including Facing the Classroom Challenge: Teacher Quality and Teacher Training in California's Schools of Education, California Index of Leading Education Indicators, and Developing and Implementing Academic Standards.

He is a regular contributor to the "Perspectives" opinion series on KQED-FM, the National Public Radio affiliate in San Francisco. His articles have appeared in the National Review, Wall Street Journal Europe, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, California Journal, Orange County Register, and Sacramento Bee. Izumi currently serves as a member of the California Postsecondary Education Commission, and the Professional Development Working Group of the California Legislature's Joint Committee to Develop a Master Plan for K-12 Education.

The Pacific Research Institute's CSR works to restore to all parents the basic right to choose the best educational opportunities for their children. Through research and grassroots outreach, it advances parental choice in education, high academic standards and accountability, charter schools, teacher quality, and school finance reform.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Julie Majeres at 415-989-0833 ext. 120 or jmajeres@pacificresearch.org.