Students trapped in poor-performing public schools, or who are poor performers themselves, show improvement when they are given the opportunity to participate in publicly funded private school choice programs.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/mar/16/chavous-closing-achievement-gap-education/#ixzz2NobKOuUt Closing the achievement gap in education] - Kevin P. Chavous, executive counsel for the [[American Federation for Children]], a former D.C. Councilman and chairman of the Council’s Education Committee.</ref>