Aaahhhh yes, the standard comparison favored by those who are pro school vouchers. They never take into consideration that in this country we have a COMPULSORY education system whereas in other countries students are subjected to a series of exams to determine if they are to continue on an academic track. Thus, seniors in an academnic high school for example, in Japan, would be like students enrolled in AP or honors courses here. The “regular” and sprcial ed. students have been weeded out from academic programs by the time they reach high school in other countries.

Furthermore, under the voucher program, private schools are not subjected to the guidelines of NCLB. They do not have to give the testing required and show adequate yearly progress to receive federal funds like public schools. Thus, you have no hard data to prove these kids are actually learning at a private school.

Finally, as a previous poster mentioned, private schools take WHO THEY WANT, whereas public schools do not have that option. Do you really think Rosemary-Choate Hall is going to accept some kid from the Bronx? Essentially, the entire voucher system is designed to give upper middle class white kids a free ride at a private school

It’s not quite that simple. I agree that teachers like to teach and they have a better chance of doing it in private schools because they don’t have to contend with stupid programs like “All children left behind”. That has made a total nightmare out of teaching. Teachers today have to teach to the test. There is no real creative teaching left for them. I have two friends who have left teaching in the last couple of years because they couldn’t stand it any longer.

Create parents who have some hope for their children’s future and some hope for their own. Most parents in under funded school districts went to school in underfunded school districts. They never learned the joy of learning or the value of education. It’s hard to instill in your children something you don’t believe in yourself.

It’s the same as breaking the cycle of violence in a family. If you come from a family of violence, you are more likely to be violent. Break the cycle and you won’t.

I’ll tell you what backup. Why don’t we just privatize our schools. It’s worked so well in other places in our government.

It’s hard to say since it hasn’t been tried. But I see no reason why more money for the schools and teachers wouldn’t improve the performance of the students. Are you implying that black children are inherently less intelligent than rich white children? Fully funded schools create better students than poorly funded schools, that’s a fact.

Freedom Rebel Says:
Fred, that doesn’t surprise me at all about your daughter-in-law. I have known several teachers that made that move and were very happy with the students at the private school. The environment is completely different also.

FR, this tells me that backup’s statement earlier, that there doesn’t seem to be much incentive to perform, has nothing to do with teachers. Private schools generally pay teachers much less than public schools and frequently ask more of them. Yet teachers who make the switch tend to be happy with their choice.

Teachers want to teach. The difference isn’t the administration or the curriculum (well, sometimes it is), the difference most of the time is the parental support.

Agreed all, good discussion. Thanks.

Freedom Rebel,
Think all schools should be funded at the same levels. That will go along way towards school improvement.

That would help. School districts would have the books they need, better pay for more qualified teachers and could offer courses that would give students a jump-start to college.

We do have some really good school districts in Ohio. The one I’m in use to be excellent, it has been backsliding for about 5 years now. My daughter did awesome in grade school and middle school. We started both of my teenagers out on a computer when they were about 2 1/2, they were both fascinated by it. They were both very good on the computer by the time they entered school. The high school in our district is the problem now. The courses they offer are sadly lacking.

good to see you RUC :)

I know many teachers are not happy about the new books they are getting, which is not helping the problem. Others have the problem that the books are so outdated it is ridiculous.

I agree with you, we have a big problem with the education system in this country.

I hope you had a good vacation :) Have a good night Fred!!

Just popped in for a minute. Goodnight, all.

I have a bitter taste in my mouth about public education these days. We bought a second home in a good school disctrict when our kids were in school and moved there.

It was as you say a bitter change from when we went to school. As you said, when I went to public school you had a choice of 4 diploma’s to persue. General, academic, etc. but that is no longer the case, at least where we live.

This seems to be something that we could change if enough Americans would get involved for the right reasons. They generally are brushed off or offended until they get the message that no one wants to hear what they have to say…..alternative is as you say, home shool or private school.

Ironically, my new daughter in law is a teacher in the largest public school in southern LA. Cabrillo. She has been teaching only a year now and is considering a position at a private school as she says no one is interested in education where she is now, not the school or the parents.

Just like old times on TP. :)

trajan.

:)