Beyond School Choice explores the next frontier in North American K−12 education by asserting that educational choice—while the most significant transformation in education policy in generations—is a means, not an end. Even if universal choice becomes a reality, a deeper challenge remains: How do we build an educational ecosystem that balances the aspirations and responsibilities of diverse families, communities, and institutions, in ways that cultivate human flourishing and serve the common good?
Featuring contributions from leading scholars and researchers, this volume introduces educational pluralism as a richer framework for thinking about the future of education. Organized around four interconnected dimensions—purpose, policy, places, and people—its chapters examine education’s deepest aims, policy structures that support a diverse educational landscape, emerging forms of schooling and learning, and the human relationships at the very heart of education. Beyond School Choice envisions a hopeful future for education—one that cultivates human flourishing, strengthens democratic life, and inspires excellence in teaching and learning.
Our Editors
Dr. Lynn E. Swaner
Lynn Swaner is the President, US for Cardus.
A public scholar and organizational strategist, Lynn Swaner joined Cardus after two decades of executive leadership in non-profits and educational institutions. Lynn holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a diploma in strategy and innovation from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Joanna DeJong VanHof
Joanna DeJong VanHof is Director of the Education Program at Cardus. Her current research interests lie in the structure of K-12 education systems, educational pluralism, and education outcomes. She currently serves on the Advisory Board of People for Education, and on an international committee of experts for development of The Guiding Principles of Educational Pluralism.
Our Authors
Beyond School Choice features chapters from leading education scholars, including:
· David I. Smith, Calvin University; Cardus Senior Fellow
· Matthew T. Lee, Baylor University
· Beth Green, Institute for Christian Studies; Cardus Senior Fellow
· Ashley Berner, Johns Hopkins University; Cardus Senior Fellow
· Albert Cheng, The Ohio State University; Cardus Senior Fellow
· Charles L. Glenn, Boston University
· Eric Wearne, Kennesaw State University
· Alison Heape Johnson, University of Arkansas
· Angela Watson, Johns Hopkins University
· Ignasi Grau Callizo, OIDEL
· Matthew H. Lee, Kennesaw State University
· Deani Van Pelt, University of Cumbria; Cardus Senior Fellow
· Justin Cook, Edvance
· Jonathan Eckert, Baylor University; Cardus Senior Fellow
· Josh Brake, Harvey Mudd College
Who We Are
Cardus is a non-partisan think tank dedicated to clarifying and strengthening, through research and dialogue, the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good.
Our work in education dates back nearly two decades, and our education program exists to cultivate education for the common good and to convene education leaders through original research and policy studies on educational pluralism, excellence in education, and graduate outcomes.