OPEN ENROLLMENT AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES - ISSUES, CONCERNS, FEARS, AND ANTICIPATED BENEFITS

Open enrollment is a hotly debated form of educational choice. More th an 25 states have legislation establishing or expanding public school choice options. At an issues clarification working session, profession als, legislators, policymakers, parents, and students described issues and generated implications for serving students with disabilities. Pa rticipants identified three kinds of issues for districts and students : outcome, implementation, and demographic. Participants also expresse d other concerns about choice: pupil benefit, parent involvement (or c onvenience), teacher/administrator job protection, change, and teacher workload.