Using Multiple Criteria To Evaluate Public Policies

Abstract

This article suggests a framework by which to organize information and evaluate policy alternatives. In this framework, equity, efficiency, effectiveness, and political feasibility are criteria for choosing policy alternatives. In addition, the framework includes strategies—the policy formulation and the compliance structure—for achieving these values. Among the three major types of school desegregation policy alternatives implemented since Brown v. Board of Education —freedom of choice, mandatory reassignment, and magnet—voluntary—the magnet-voluntary alternative appears to achieve the greatest equity, efficiency, and effectiveness because it relies primarily on market-like incentives and an incremental decision-making approach.