This book reviews the evidence about so-called "choice" models of education or "free market" models and their impact on education. In the end the evidence shows nothing, but it doesn't refute anything either. What Gill shows us pretty convincingly is that, at the moment anyway, this is a debate driven by ideology rather than by evidence. No matter on which side one falls, one can interpret the evidence based upon their perspective, since the evidence is inconclusive. Like so many other debates in our society we have to move beyond the "classroom effects" and investigate what the proponents or opponents really have as their agenda. This is an excellent book simply because it is one of the first systemic reviews of the evidence as opposed to the ideological journalism with which we are most often confronted. No matter one's perspective, this book is worth reading, because it will alternately challenge and support one's views.

Collaboratively written by Brian P. Gill, P. Michael Timpane, Karen E. Ross, and Dominic J. Brewer, Rhetoric Versus Reality: What We Know And What We Need To Know About Vouchers And Charter Schools is a straight-on, analytical, thoroughly serious study on the politically hot issue of school vouchers and charter schools in America today. From examples of voucher and charter systems currently in practice, to their effectiveness on academic achievement and existing empirical evidence on the results of school choice and more, Rhetoric Versus Reality covers almost every aspect of this critical issue in a dispassionate, fact-filled and thorough manner. This is highly recommended reading for parents, educators, and lawmakers wanting to learn more about these complex and heavily debated options for America's school systems.