Charter Schools

[Oerets]

Being a strong supporter of the need for Public Schools. Knowing there is a need for improvements to bring every school to acceptable levels of education. See the need to improve and strengthen our public schools.

Not weaken by vouchers and charter schools.

I see Charter Schools and vouchers as nothing more then a camouflaged, misdirection attempt to fund with public money's private or religious schools. Also to keep those unable to afford or need transportation special needs from getting a better education. This by cutting the funds available to public schools. The poorer districts will keep producing economic slaves for the ruling classes.

Then there is the union organized aspects and teacher seniority and benefits with public school systems. All hated by the Republicans. Just another way of eliminating these issues.

I believe every child no matter the location or income level of parents should get the same opportunity at a education. All schools should be equal in the education provided.

In my experience the teachers were not the ones dropping the ball. It was the parents who failed to be a partner.


Also a school with many different religion ethnic social backgrounds of the students may just be what this country could benefit from.



Barney

[merrylander]

Has anyone done a count of how many well off parents are using vouchers to pay for their offspring to attend parochial schools?

[barbara]

Vouchers don't work in the public school system for the low income.

Don't know about the private schools.... Didn't think they were a part of the voucher system and surprised to hear they are.

[Oerets]

This is how it works in Indiana. The state our new VP use to head.


http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/20...s-rapidly.html

""This year, nearly 30,000 students in Indiana are attending private schools with the help of vouchers, a number that puts it among a small pack of states offering this controversial school choice option that provides taxpayer dollars to families to help pay for private schools, most of them religious.""


Barney

[sheltiedave]

I would have little problem with vouchers, if we make the voucher worth the Same as the single most expensive private school admission in the state, but only for families under $35,000 in total income. That would make things a level playing field.

[barbara]

Originally Posted by sheltiedave

I would have little problem with vouchers, if we make the voucher worth the Same as the single most expensive private school admission in the state, but only for families under $35,000 in total income. That would make things a level playing field.

But..... It doesn't level the playing field.
That low income child might have a voucher for a school in a better area but.... Has no transportation. Mom and dad take the bus to their two or three minimum wage jobs and there isn't time to make sure the little one gets to a school across town.
And then there is the social stigma. Children can be cruel and snobbish. Those high income schools are full of kids with high income perks such as nice clothes, extra money for lunch, etc.

In my area.... The biggest barrier was the transportation.

[sheltiedave]

Barbara, allow the voucher to be traded, or cashed in for $$$$. We could also allow for stepped vouchers up to about $60k. This in effect would create a progressive school award for the poor, and give them real choice, not the illusion of choice DeVos supports.

The top private high school tuition in St. Louis is about $25k a year. Cash the voucher, send junior to the Catholic college prep for $15k, and buy him/her a $5k beater car for transport.

[barbara]

Originally Posted by sheltiedave

Barbara, allow the voucher to be traded, or cashed in for $$$$. We could also allow for stepped vouchers up to about $60k. This in effect would create a progressive school award for the poor, and give them real choice, not the illusion of choice DeVos supports.

The top private high school tuition in St. Louis is about $25k a year. Cash the voucher, send junior to the Catholic college prep for $15k, and buy him/her a $5k beater car for transport.

Low income families would need that cash for food and shelter. Chances are it would not be spent on education. And, in a low income family, the cheap beater car is the transportation for the whole family.... If they can afford it.

When a family is scrambling to keep a roof over their head and food on the table.... Education is not always a priority at the moment. And it's hard for low income people to think in terms of a future because they are struggling so hard to survive today.

[sheltiedave]

Barbara, I realize that. I have done social work in the past. I'm just saying that a level playing field for the wealthy is not a level playing field for the poor. Please don't beat me up.

[bobabode]

Seems to me that tax dollars going to any religious school violates the separation clause. Hell, they're already tax exempt.
Dominionism indoctrination funded by my taxes? F**k that s**t.