Nailing Shut the Policy Window: The Policy Evolution of America’s First Urban School Voucher Program

Authors

  • Michael Ford University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20899/jpna.1.2.87-99

Keywords:

Vouchers, School Choice, Policy Evolution, Policy Windows

Abstract

This article describes the origins and evolution of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, arguing that voucher policy in Milwaukee continues to exist long after the policy window that enabled its creation closed.  The author, using the framework of public policy windows, concludes that under certain conditions untested policy initiatives can lead to policy paralysis.  The study is of interest to legislators considering new and untested policy initiatives, program evaluators, and scholars interested in the history of school voucher policy.  

Author Biography

  • Michael Ford, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

    Michael Ford is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  Prior to joining academia Michael worked for eight years in the non-profit sector.  His areas of research interest are board governance, education finance, and privatization. 

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Published

2015-11-17

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2015)

Section

Research Articles

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