TITLE A Comparison of Families of Students with and without Disabilities Who Use Open Enrollment Options To

A survey was conducted of Minnesota families of students with disabilities (n=60) and without disabilities (n=60), and responses were compared to identify practices related to public school choice. Results indicated that the media were the primary source of information for families of general education students, while principals and teachers were the main source for special education students. Primary reasons for changing schools were quality of services, the new school's location, academic and athletic reputation, course variety, and climate for learning. For the most part, the reasons for transfer identified by families of students with and without disabilities were similar. School personnel seldom participated in transfer decisions by families of students without disabilities, but were heavily involved in such decisions for students with disabilities. Families of students with disabilitie