Posted by
John R. LaPlante on Thursday, October 05, 2006 4:15:02 PM
Isn’t it ironic? Some entrepreneurs become extremely successful thanks to their hard work and the free-market system, and then set up grant-making foundations. Within a few decades, if not a few years, those foundations turn against the principles of economics and government that contributed to the founder’s wealth.
Old-line foundations such as the W.K Kellogg Foundation have poured millions of dollars into school reform efforts. Much of that money has gone into putting money in schools without changing the paradigm of one-house, one-school and bringing in competition and choice.
But a new set of foundations are coming on line, including the Gates Foundation and the Dell Foundation. Many new foundations differ from the old ones in important ways. They are more likely to measure results and demand accountability.
School choice is not only consistent with sound economic theory; it also has significant empirical support. Philanthropists who want to improve education—and there are plenty of them—would do well to look into school choice.