What does the term 'school voucher' refer to?

The term 'school voucher' specifically refers to a government-funded voucher that allows parents to use public education funds to pay for tuition at private schools. This concept is designed to provide families with more educational choices, allowing them to select schools that they believe best meet their children's needs, rather than being limited to assigned public schools based on their residential area.

In the context of this question, the definition aligns accurately with option B. The purpose of school vouchers is to promote school choice and competition among schools, potentially driving improvements in education quality. This model is often implemented in various states as a means to support educational opportunities beyond just the public school system.

The other choices do not capture the essence of what a school voucher represents. For instance, a discount on public school tuition or a scholarship for athletic students do not relate to the government-funded aspect or the private school tuition component inherent to school vouchers. Similarly, a loan for education funding refers to borrowing money for educational expenses, which is distinctly different from the concept of a voucher that provides direct funding for tuition at a private institution.