Evaluation of the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program: Impacts Three Years After Students Applied

This randomized control trial by Ann Webber, Ning Rui, Roberta Garrison-Mogren, Babette Gutmann, and Meredith Bachman examines the effect of the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program (a voucher assigned by lottery) on student achievement and perceptions about the school three years after applying for the voucher. Students who received the voucher did not have higher academic achievement (as measured by reading and math tests scores) than students who did not receive the voucher. Students who received the voucher did report higher satisfaction with their new school compared to their old school and a greater feeling of safety.