Opinion Poll on Public and Private Schools

Mr. Russonello and Mr. Sanders briefed reporters on the results of a public opinion poll on public and private schools. The results of the poll indicated Americans generally believe their public schools are doing a good job in instructing their children. The poll showed, however, the majority of Americans feel private schools do a better job in instructing children than do public schools. Americans also felt private schools were beneficial in that they provided a choice for parents in where to send their children to school. Reporters at the news briefing questioned the relatively low number of people interviewed by telephone for the survey and other aspects of the conduct of the survey.