Information sources and decision-making for families of students who transfer school under open enrollment options

Allowing families to choose their child's school consistently ranks among the top choices among strategies identified by national policy makers for improving education by the year 2000 and beyond. Despite the popularity of choice as an educational reform alternative, little is known about how it operates nationally and what effects selecting and transferring schools may have in particular areas of the country with particular groups of students. The focus of this research was a cross-sectional survey to identify facts and opinions about selected aspects of contemporary practices related to choice. Responses from families of students with disabilities were compared to responses of a similar group of families of students without disabilities. The following research questions were addressed: (1) What kinds of information about choice do school districts provide and how useful are they? (2) What procedures do school districts use to inform families about choice and how useful are hey? (3) What issues and concerns about choice are most salient for students with disabilities and their families? This work provides a strong foundation for addressing policy concerns related to improving education programs and provides information school psychologists and other school personnel need for improving the quality of educational services provided to students with disabilities.