Free Market Education?
Due to night classes tonight, I only caught the second half of the presidential debate. While many points struck me as comment-worthy, the idea of free market education really caught my attention. Both candidates stated support for charter schools and McCain spoke favorably of vouchers. According to Wikipedia, "charter schools are elementary or secondary schools in the United States that receive public money but have been freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school's charter." Pike Co has a charter school that is supported by public funds but financially independent of the traditional school district. The idea is to promote competition between schools in the same area by invoking higher accountability on the charter school but simultaneously forcing district schools to raise standards lest they lose students (and thus funding/resources) to the charter school. While the idea of using competition to motivate students is not inherently inappropriate, relying on it as a sole boost to the underdog schools is a mistake. Without fair pay for teachers, adequate funds for school programming, and access to necessary resources, the underdog schools do not have a chance. The idea of regulating schools like a free market economy does not work to fix the underdog schools. Education is neither a luxury that can be denied nor is it a duty that must be guaranteed. It is by definition, a positive right but once that it is granted to a few must be granted to all with a responsible effort at equality. Like police protection against coercion and establishment of minimum wage, using public funds for public education is only legitimate if everyone is eligible.
Both charter schools and vouchers for private schools are non-options for Eastern KY counties that do not generate the school age populations to support more than one high school or middle school. Also, the options for private schools in rural areas are limited to those with a specific religious bias. Institution of the voucher system in rural ares would result in public funding of church organizations. I don't deny that these church-sponsored schools can generate a quality education, the separation of church and state must be maintained.
Both charter schools and vouchers for private schools are non-options for Eastern KY counties that do not generate the school age populations to support more than one high school or middle school. Also, the options for private schools in rural areas are limited to those with a specific religious bias. Institution of the voucher system in rural ares would result in public funding of church organizations. I don't deny that these church-sponsored schools can generate a quality education, the separation of church and state must be maintained.