From now until Nov. 6, the Daily Herald will focus regularly on Referendum 1, the voucher initiative that would help parents pay for private school. In this space, we will explore the issues and give our opinions.

Voucher opponents say such programs don't boost students' academic performance. On its Web site, the National Education Association reviews some of the studies and says: "There's no conclusive evidence that vouchers improve the achievement of students who use them to attend private school."

A nationally known researcher, Jay P. Greene, disagrees, in his book "Education Myths." "The evidence on vouchers clearly shows that they are an effective education reform."

Greene, head of the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas, bases the conclusion on random assignment studies, the gold standard of research. Ten such studies have examined voucher schools, he says (in updating information in his book.) Nine concluded voucher programs help some or many students learn more. The other study showed no difference.

But there's an even better way to find out what vouchers might accomplish. Because, when it comes to kids, we know the world's greatest researchers.

Parents.

They're better equipped than any professor to find out what's best for their kids, and assess private schools in their community. If the schools don't measure up, parents haven't lost anything. But maybe that research will open up new possibilities.

That's what vouchers do: open up new possibilities. That's why we urge Utahns to vote yes on Referendum 1, and give parents a little help in finding the best schooling for their kids.

Referendum 1 will be voted on Tuesday, Nov. 6. We urge all voters to make their voices heard on this vital issue.

Do you agree?