Does parental choice make a difference? How do alternative public schools originate in school districts? Why do parents select these schools, and what are their outcomes?

Dr. Daniel Brown explores the learning environment in three alternative public schools, shedding light on a policy question facing many Canadian school boards. His report is based on a two-year in-depth study of these schools to gain a more precise understanding of their environment, practices and performance.

The research was carried out through a grant to the University of British Columbia from SAEE, with funding from the Donner Canadian Foundation. Dan Brown, professor of Educational Administration and Leadership at UBC, was the Principal investigator, working with a team of graduate students in the Educational Administration program.

The research combined qualitative and quantitative methods including document analysis, surveys, interviews and observations. Data was gathered from trustees, district administrators, school principals, teachers, senior students, and parents.

The BC case studies add to the growing literature base on schools of choice within public education. Brown concludes that parental choice makes an important difference in the lives of children, parents and educators. It is associated with a number of positive attributes including high levels of achievement, satisfaction, communitarianism, and family support for learning.

Research Series 1, Published October 1999

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