At least one-third of students no longer attend their neighborhood public schools due to the growth of school choice policies. We systematically review the empirical literature on nine key elements of policy that affect how choice works (e.g., transportation, information, and choice school accountability). We conclude, first, that many aspects of choice policy improve access to choice schools. Second, choice policies are generally poorly designed to serve marginalized students. Third, some policies have potential to improve efficiency and equity simultaneously. Fourth, policy effects on access to choice schools appear somewhat detached from effectiveness on academic outcomes. Fifth, implementation is at least as important as policy design. We also provide an extensive future research agenda.
The Details Matter: A Systematic Review of School Choice Policy and Implementation Research
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Document Object Identifier (DOI)
10.26300/jzz5-q438
EdWorkingPaper suggested citation:
Harris, Douglas N., Danielle Sanderson Edwards, and Julie Marsh. (). The Details Matter: A Systematic Review of School Choice Policy and Implementation Research. (EdWorkingPaper: -1644). Retrieved from
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