Choice plans abound and are touted to be the panacea for the major ills of education. This article, although not arguing against choice as a reform option, presents the position that there are circumstances in poverty settings that will continue to further disenfranchise segments of our society from education even with choice. These segments of society, because of their limited productivity, are costly to sustain. Their circumstances limit the prerequisites for high-quality school choice by parents, and if left unconsidered will result in even worse conditions in urban schools. Recommendations are suggested based on successful programs in these settings.
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