"Edupreneurs": A Survey of For-Profit Education. Policy Analysis, No. 386.

Overview & Synopsis

This policy paper examines the products, services, and innovations that a fully competitive marketplace could generate if the government loosened its grip on education, noting that the failure of government-run schools to prepare students for the rigors of the modern economy is a pressing policy problem as well as an opportunity for the private sector. The paper examines for profit education in kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on technologies, products, and services. It also discusses postsecondary and adult education, emphasizing postsecondary education providers and distance learning. After examining policy implications, the paper presents answers for critics regarding student achievement, parental decisions (school choice), accountability, and markets and equity. It concludes by noting the important ways in which a fully competitive education marketplace would differ from the current system (e.g., "edupreneurs" would provide education services designed to prepare students to participate effectively in the new economy, higher education would become more accessible and affordable to all people, and a consumer-driven system would quickly weed out substandard schools and products). An appendix presents tables of for-profit education providers. (SM)