The Father of the School Choice Movement with James V. Shuls

Education |
By Susan Pendergrass and James V. Shuls | Episode Length 1 min

In this episode, Susan Pendergrass speaks with James V. Shuls, Director of Research and Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, about the history and impact of the school choice movement. They discuss Shuls’ recent paper, “The Father of the School Choice Movement,” which highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Father Virgil Blum alongside the well-known Milton Friedman. The conversation explores Blum’s legal, moral, and religious advocacy for educational freedom, his role in founding Citizens for Educational Freedom, and how his work laid the groundwork for modern school choice policies.

Find the paper here

Listen on Apple Podcasts 

Listen on SoundCloud

Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Susan Pendergrass

About the Author

Before joining the Show-Me Institute, Susan Pendergrass was Vice President of Research and Evaluation for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, where she oversaw data collection and analysis and carried out a rigorous research program. Susan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in...
James V. Shuls

About the Author

James V. Shuls is an associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Missouri St. Louis. His work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Phi Delta Kappan, Social Science Quarterly, Education Week, The Rural Educator, Educational Policy, the...

Similar Stories

Support Us

The work of the Show-Me Institute would not be possible without the generous support of people who are inspired by the vision of liberty and free enterprise. We hope you will join our efforts and become a Show-Me Institute sponsor.

Donate
Man on Horse Charging