A Reader Writes... (Vouchers - It's Only Choice - Part 1)

In response to the 5/19/11 post “Vouchers - It's Only Choice,” a reader writes:

Interesting commentary…

SC Response

There is no question that I am a school reformer. But I am not in the camp that now labels themselves as such. I believe we have a duty to the taxpayer to efficiently and effectively use their funds. I believe we have a duty to our country to educate all children to the highest level within our means. I believe we have a duty to our staff to put them in the best possible situation to be successful. I believe we should diligently look for ways to improve the delivery of instruction. I believe the model for education designed for previous generations may not be the best model for this generation.

That being said, I think the solutions that will address my beliefs won’t be found hidden within political agendas and corporate earnings reports. At one time I worked with (not for) a major national reform initiative. Their belief system was a follows, “There are some great charter schools, so all charter schools are great. There are some bad traditional public schools, so all traditional public schools are bad.”

When I pointed out that by their logic, I could state, “There are some bad charter schools, so all charter schools are bad. There are some great traditional public schools, so all traditional public schools are great.” Their response was, “You are being contrary. Everyone knows that is not true. Public schools are beyond repair.”

Needless to say, it did not take long for us to part company.

Here is what I know:

1. There are some great charter schools. What they do well should be studied and replicated. There are some bad charter schools. They should be closed down.

2. There are some great traditional public schools. What they do well should be studied and replicated. There are some bad traditional public schools. They should be closed down.

3. With charter schools, there is an inverse relationship between quality of service provided to students and profit motive of the charter holder.

4. Vouchers are simply a tool to further the agenda of those who want to dismantle public schools. The fact that some good, but misguided, people think that they are a good idea does not change this fact.

5. Unions play right into the hands of the anti-school faction by fighting for every hill. When the teacher sound bites are all about adults, the general public believes that we have abandoned educating students as our mission.

I don’t know what the education environment will look like in ten to fifteen years. But I do know that if it is in the hands of the private and corporate sectors the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” will only grow. That is not what I believe in.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

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