Abstract

Georgia implemented a nationwide, full scale school voucher program in 2005. The new voucher plan was designed with the intent to provide equitable distribution and efficient utilization of financial and human resources. By introducing the voucher scheme, the government hoped to promote competition among public as well as private schools to push them operate in a cost-effective way and consequently improve education quality. This study tries to identify the effect of increased competition on the quality of education as perceived by school principals and teachers in Georgia. More specifically, we study to identify if the voucher model, as a result of increased competition, has created an environment that is supportive to students in improving their academic performance. Our results suggest that school principals and teachers do not view competition as a force or stimulation towards better quality teaching and improved students’ academic achievement.

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