Date of Award

12-25-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. John Caputo

Second Advisor

Dr. Josh Misner

Abstract

Parents and politicians have debated the topic of school choice for more than 20 years. The argument has changed slightly while also allowing more options to families. Rather than require students to be subject to de facto segregation, school choice offers the opportunity for students to interact with a more diverse population of students. As students interact with other students of diverse background they develop a better understanding of the world. Research suggests these students are also more likely to attend higher education and ultimately upgrade their socio-economic class. These interactions coupled with access to greater resources allow minority students the opportunity pursue careers where they may have previously have not been presented. This thesis suggests that school choice is a needed agent to encourage social change. It further suggests that through the coordinated management of meaning theory students gain understanding of the world around them through their interactions with other students. Taking a egalitarian approach, the thesis also suggests that without equal access to quality education there will always be inequalities in socio-economic class. Through surveys, personal interviews and previous research, the research found that although school choice is not the only agent of social change it vital to add diversity to the campus and class room. The people oriented study, looked at parents current beliefs of public education as it compares to school choice options.

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