Paul DiPerna
Published: 2008
Total Pages: 36
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This survey provides a valid representation of the views of likely voters in Montana. A total of 1,200 completed interviews were obtained. Two findings stand out in this polling project. First, considerable popular support exists for school choice policies and particularly creating a tax-credit scholarship system. Generally speaking, more than three out of five respondents support tax-credit scholarships--this level sustains across such demographics as geographic location, race/ethnicity, political ideology, religion, household income level, among others. There is also majority support for policies creating school vouchers and charter schools. Second, there is a glaring disconnect between schooling preferences and enrollments. Ninety percent of Montana parents said they prefer sending their child to a private school, charter school, virtual school, or provide homeschooling. In reality, approximately 7 percent of Montana's K-12 students attend private schools. Charter schools do not exist. In the poll, 37 percent of K-12 parents said they prefer private schools. Ten percent of Montana parents said they prefer a regular public school. In reality, approximately 93 percent of Montana's students attend regular public schools. This disconnect is consistent with other states. States do not have sufficient school choice systems in place to match parents' schooling preferences. [This poll was conducted by Strategic Vision and sponsored by the Montana Family Foundation, Central Montana Homeschool Association, Diocese of Great Falls-Billings Catholic Schools, Diocese of Helena Catholic Schools, Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options, and Montana Federation of Independent Schools.].