On The 74, Kate Stringer reports on the results of two surveys of parent satisfaction with the schools their children attend that were released earlier this week. She also describes a panel discussion that took place on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. to examine the results.

A first-of-its-kind, sector-wide parent satisfaction survey revealed that private and charter school parents report being more satisfied with their children’s schooling than parents whose children attend district schools.

Panelists on Tuesday discussing the results speculated that parents’ ability to choose their child’s school resulted in greater satisfaction.

“I think that’s what this data is telling me. If you have a school where you’re paying the money, and that school is going to lose money unless you continue to send your children there, they’re going to pay attention to your children,” said Paul Peterson, professor of government and director of the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard Kennedy School.

More information about the surveys can be found in “What Do Parents Think of Their Children’s Schools?” and “How Satisfied Are Parents With Their Children’s Schools?” which will appear in the Spring 2017 issue of Education Next.

The data from the surveys can be examined using the interactive graphics here and here.

– Education Next