Mark Schneider

Mark Schneider, professor and chair of the department of political science, State University of New York at Stony Brook, wrote a book on how increasing freedom of choice affects parents' pursuit of educational alternatives for their children. Schneider evaluated both sides of the school choice argument, examining whether greater choice benefits society by prompting parents to become informed consumers, or whether it increases segregation along racial and class lines. Using survey data, he explored methods of information gathering favored by parents of varied backgrounds, and looked at differences in how they respond to increased options. Schneider addressed implications for education policies and school governance.