Advocates: Vouchers living up to expectations

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Officials say nearly 4,000 students who formerly attended public schools are receiving tax money to help pay the cost of private school under Indiana's school voucher program, which is believed to be the nation's largest.

The Evansville Courier & Press reports ( http://bit.ly/sbscAR ) that the voucher program is meeting expectations in its first year, despite a late start due in part to a legal challenge.

Although the program's first-year cap of 7,500 was not reached, voucher advocates say they're are pleased with the level of participation.

The vouchers can cover up to 90 percent of the cost of tuition, depending on a family's income.

School Choice Indiana says that 85 percent of the students who have received vouchers qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch and 53 percent are minorities.
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Information from: Evansville Courier & Press, http://www.courierpress.com