Hollywood Journal: A Surfer’s Guide to TV

Sunday, Sept 17
Private Schools – Public Money
10-11 p.m. EDT on CNN

By Barbara D. Philips
Friday, September 15, 2000

This first-rate "Democracy in America" documentary looks at the school-voucher debate as it has developed in Milwaukee, home of the nation’s oldest program. The film takes an even-handed approach, giving time to both fans and foes of allowing public funds to go to private schools (which since 1995 have included religious schools). The portrait it paints of three families’ experiences with vouchers has shades of gray. But to these (pro-voucher) eyes one fact stands out: The Milwaukee program has succeeded in its aims. Poor families are no longer forced to send their children to failing public schools that the more affluent were able to escape, and the competition from the private sector has pushed public schools to improve.

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