This review of research and other literature on educational vouchers provides an overview and history of the voucher concept and voucher programs. The author first looks at several existing versions of the voucher idea, such as the G.I. Bill and Denmark's free schools. California's Alum Rock voucher experiment is evaluated, with suggestions about the obstacles preventing the program from becoming a real voucher system. Comments from an interview with voucher expert Christopher Jencks elucidate the report. Emphasizing that voucher models differ in more ways than they agree, the author explains and compares six proposed voucher program models. Particular attention is given to the "Family Choice" model that proponents hope to see on the June 1980 California Ballot. Included are quotes from a telephone interview from John Coons, father of the model. Issues discussed include the question of whether a voucher system would violate the separation of church and state, promote segregation, raise the cost of education, or encourage unethical speculators to open schools. The author concludes that the voucher concept is still vigorous and has not yet had a fair trial. (Author/JM)