Paul DiPerna K-12 State Surveys | NASCCD

State Polling Series on K-12 Education and School Choice Paul DiPerna The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors Panel on School Choice December 4, 2008

Established in 1996

Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN

501(c)3 / Nonpartisan / Nonprofit

Our Mission…

╚ “ Promoting school choice in order to improve, through competition, the quality of education for all.”

╚ support locally led efforts, activities

╚ long-term sustainability

About the Friedman Foundation

Research

State Polling & Surveys

Fiscal Impact | Existing or Proposed Program

Evaluation | Existing Program

Social Costs | Enrollments, Dropouts

School Funding Formulas

Education

Sponsored Events

Public Speaking/Presentations (staff)

Speakers Bureau (non-staff)

Fact-findings Trips

Bill Design

Marketing & Media

Graphic Design, FAQs, Brochures

Market Research (online surveys, web analytics)

Message Development (internal, messaging polling)

Direct Mail Campaigns

Media Relations Training

Grantmaking

Core Activities & Services

Indiana

Maryland

Illinois

Kentucky

Iowa

Georgia

Previous Work with Catholic Organizations Polling sponsorships: NCEA, Diocesan (Atlanta, Great Falls-Billings, Helena, Oklahoma City)

Why a state polling series?

Intel for baseline and assessment

(relatively unknown, unexplored)

Expand social networks with outreach

Build relationships, partnerships

Develop messages for audiences

Start conversations on K-12 reforms

Increase visibility and awareness

Goals

Survey sponsors: state and national, 5 to 10

Statistically representative samples of

“ likely voters” N= 1,200

Random Digit Dial (RDD) Sampling

Survey interview includes ≈ 40 questions

Publish all questions and topline results

Emphasis on demographics and “perspective groups” such as K-12 Parents, Party ID, Religion, Race/Ethnicity, Age, Income, etc.

Overview

In most states, school choice is NOT a partisan issue among likely voters. Potential “bridge issue” for Dems, GOP, and Independents.

Huge disconnect between schooling preferences and actual school enrollments .

35-45% prefer private schools

20-25% prefer charter schools

15-20% prefer homeschooling

10-20% prefer regular public schools

Solid support for tax-credit scholarships, school vouchers.

Moderate familiarity on school choice issues.

Key Findings

What do Catholics say in our survey interviews?

How many Catholics are in our state surveys?

Samples vary, but all are substantial:

Vermont n = 456 38%

Maryland n = 300 25%

Montana n = 288 24%

Oregon n = 180 15%

TOTAL = 1,224

K-12 Education

is a HIGH priority (!)

for Catholics in our state surveys. ≈ 1 out 5 say it is the most important issue, out of a range of (7) issue choices…

“ If it were your decision and you could select any type of school, what type of school would you select in order to obtain the best education for your child?”

43%

of surveyed Catholics prefer private schools .

12%

of surveyed Catholics prefer regular public schools .

26%

of surveyed Catholics prefer charter schools .

“ Some states give tax credits to individuals and businesses if they contribute money to nonprofit organizations that distribute private school scholarships. This policy supports a ‘tax-credit scholarship system.’ If a proposal were made in [State] to create such a system, would you favor or oppose such a plan?”

54%

of surveyed Catholics favor tax-credit scholarships .

“ How familiar are you with ‘school vouchers’ in K-12 education?”

62%

of surveyed Catholics are familiar with school vouchers .

“ School vouchers allow parents the option of sending their children to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious schools and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a ‘school voucher’ to help pay tuition for the school where they choose to send their children. In general, do you favor or oppose this idea?”

56%