Who Wants School Vouchers in America? A Comprehensive Study Using Multilevel Regression and Poststratification

Abstract

The debate surrounding school vouchers in educational policy remains contentious, with conflicting survey data presenting contradictory levels of public endorsement. To gain a more nuanced comprehension of viewpoints towards vouchers, we propose deconstructing the American populace into distinct demographic and geographical sectors. However, this approach encounters challenges due to data insufficiency arising from small sample sizes in individual segments. To address this quandary, we advocate employing a model-based simulation methodology called multilevel regression and poststratification to derive more accurate estimates of voucher attitudes. Our exploration reveals that vouchers enjoy the most favor among affluent White Catholics and Evangelicals, with popularity escalating alongside income within the White demographic. In contrast, among non-White individuals, voucher support exhibits a different pattern, with less favor observed within the middle-income bracket and greater acceptance among those in lower-income categories. Our findings shed light on the complex interplay of demographic and geographic factors influencing public opinion on school vouchers, offering valuable insights for policymakers and education reform efforts.