Bob Peterson

Some public school districts have initiated a voucher system that allows children of low-income families to attend a private school of their choice, including religious schools. The voucher transfers the tax dollars that the public school would normally have received to the private school to pay at least part of the student’s tuition. In the following viewpoint, Bob Peterson argues against the voucher system. Using public funds to support a religious school violates church-state separation, he contends. Furthermore, he asserts, the voucher system deprives public schools of funds that are desperately needed. Peterson, a fifth- grade teacher, was named 1995–1996 Wisconsin Elementary Teacher of the Year. He is also the editor of the education newspaper Rethinking Schools.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Peterson’s opinion, why are private...