Public School Choice and Supplemental Education Services. Exploring K-12 Education Reforms in Washington State

Abstract

In 2014, Washington State lost its No Child Left Behind Waiver. As a result, 20% of federal Title I funding that was previously allocated to “failing” Title I public schools, must be reallocated toward implementing Public School Choice and Supplemental Education Services. The purpose of this pilot study is to explore what providers are available in the new Washington State Supplemental Education Service and Public School Choice marketplace, and what factors contribute toward a potential SES providers’ decision whether or not to accept federal funding. To answer the research questions a mixed method study was conducted utilizing qualitative and quantitative data and analysis methods. Primary questions include “When SES and PSC are offered within a marketplace model for competing educational services, how to these market forces impact the availability of providers?” and “What factors contribute toward a potential SES providers decision whether to accept federal funding, and opt into the market.” Quantitative data was collected and analyzed on the demographic information of available SES and PSC providers. Interviews with potential providers were also conduced to examine a list of factors contributing toward administrators’ decision to participate in the market. My capstone research examines current literature on Public School Choice and Supplemental Education Services and the theories driving current federal education reforms. The purpose of this pilot study is to explore the implications and outcomes of implementing these two policies in Washington State. It will add to existing literature by positioning PSC and SES policies within the context of national trends in education reforms; and examine the level of competition, and access to choice within the SES and PSC market.