This book contains articles by educational researchers who examine the issues surrounding educational choice in public school systems and the voucher system for private schools. They discuss when choice should be considered, methods of implementation, and the extent to which government should be involved. Descriptions and evaluations of choice programs that have been implemented are presented. The book includes contributions from both supporters and opponents of choice. Following the introduction by editors Simon Hakim, Paul Seidenstat, and Gary W. Bowman, part 1 discusses the merits of school choice, guidelines for implementation, and types of contracting methods. The following chapters constitute part 1: "An Economic View of the Effectiveness of Public and Private Schools" (David Beers and Jerry Ellig); "Why Educational Choice: The Florida Experience" (Tom Feeney); "Private School Choice: An Ineffective Path to Educational Reform" (Albert Shanker and Bella Rosenberg); and "Public Schools by Contract: An Alternative to Privatization" (Paul T. Hill). Part 2 presents particular plans for implementation, including: "Three Privatization Models for Public Schools" (Thomas H. Kean); "Redesigning the Financing of American Education to Raise Productivity: The Case for a Just Voucher" (Peter W. Cookson, Jr.); "A 'GI Bill' for Educating All Children" (Pierre S. duPont IV); "Blending the Neighborhood School Tradition with 'Choice within Schools'" (Ernest L. Boyer); and "Privatizing Higher Education" (Kevin C. Sontheimer). The third part highlights experiences and evaluations of implementation plans. Articles are: "The Evaluation of the New Hampshire Plan: An Early Voucher System" (John Menge); "THe Milwaukee Choice Program" (Thomas Hetland); "A Public-Private Partnership: South Pointe Elementary School of Dade County, Florida" (Thomas H. Peeler and Patricia A. Parham); "Making Choice an Option for Parents: East Harlem, New York" (William E. Ubinas); and "Public Choice in Minnesota" (Michael C. Rubenstein and Nancy E. Adelman). Each chapter contains references; an index is provided. (LMI)