A lesson from the third world

Spectator, The, Jan 18, 2003 by Tooley, James

The evidence from India and Africa can do for today's school-choice debate what West did for the same debate in the 1960s and 1970s. If the evidence reveals that the poorest worldwide are achieving better educational outcomes without the state, then this should inspire and buttress appeals for increased school choice in rich countries. It also raises anew the question: what on earth is government doing in education at all?

James Tooley is directing a research and development project on private schools for the poor in Africa and Asia.