Parents, professional educators, and members of the media are constantly debating the issue of school choice, and questioning the quality of public schools. You sometimes hear the arguments that private schools and charter schools are superior, or that home schooling is the ideal way to educate children. Many people are confused about the nature of charter schools, which are run independently (sometimes by for-profit corporations, though not always) but receive public funding. Despite the problems with public education, there are several reasons why it needs to be available, and why its quality is important to maintain.
You will find many differing opinions on this issue. Teachers often change their minds throughout their careers. For instance, they may initially be vehemently opposed to charter schools, but then they may see the benefits of certain charter schools when they work for one and see things firsthand.
School quality is not a black and white issue. It varies from school to school, and this is not always dependent on whether the school is private, public, or charter. There are obviously some very good private schools, and very good charter schools as well.
However, despite the existence of good private and charter schools, quality state-run schools are always necessary. Education needs to be accessible to all children, no matter what their background. Here are a few reasons why good state-run schools are important.
1. School should be available at no cost. It is true that private schools often have smaller numbers of students, and therefore smaller class sizes. They also sometimes have better equipment. This is often due to private donations and to the fact that they charge tuition. Not all students are connected enough to be admitted to private schools in the first place, and even if they are, their families may not be able to afford tuition. Charter schools are another free option, but their admission is also limited, and not every neighborhood has a charter school.
2. Location. This brings us to the issue of location. Some families may not be able to provide their own transportation. It is important for children to have a school located within their neighborhood, one that they can easily access by walking or by a short bus ride. Historically, state-run schools have filled this need.
3. Socialization. Obviously, this takes place at private schools, too. However, children who attend private schools are often socialized into a privileged bubble, or according to a particular religion. They still provide a sense of community, but it is different. Ideally, state-run schools are places where students can encounter kids from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, and see themselves as part of a diverse community.
The issue of school choice is a complicated one. Parents should take many different factors into consideration when deciding on the best educational environment for their individual children. However, as a society, we have a responsibility to make a quality school experience available to every child, Despite the problems with public education, it was designed to serve that purpose. It needs to be valued and maintained.
You will find many differing opinions on this issue. Teachers often change their minds throughout their careers. For instance, they may initially be vehemently opposed to charter schools, but then they may see the benefits of certain charter schools when they work for one and see things firsthand.
School quality is not a black and white issue. It varies from school to school, and this is not always dependent on whether the school is private, public, or charter. There are obviously some very good private schools, and very good charter schools as well.
However, despite the existence of good private and charter schools, quality state-run schools are always necessary. Education needs to be accessible to all children, no matter what their background. Here are a few reasons why good state-run schools are important.
1. School should be available at no cost. It is true that private schools often have smaller numbers of students, and therefore smaller class sizes. They also sometimes have better equipment. This is often due to private donations and to the fact that they charge tuition. Not all students are connected enough to be admitted to private schools in the first place, and even if they are, their families may not be able to afford tuition. Charter schools are another free option, but their admission is also limited, and not every neighborhood has a charter school.
2. Location. This brings us to the issue of location. Some families may not be able to provide their own transportation. It is important for children to have a school located within their neighborhood, one that they can easily access by walking or by a short bus ride. Historically, state-run schools have filled this need.
3. Socialization. Obviously, this takes place at private schools, too. However, children who attend private schools are often socialized into a privileged bubble, or according to a particular religion. They still provide a sense of community, but it is different. Ideally, state-run schools are places where students can encounter kids from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, and see themselves as part of a diverse community.
The issue of school choice is a complicated one. Parents should take many different factors into consideration when deciding on the best educational environment for their individual children. However, as a society, we have a responsibility to make a quality school experience available to every child, Despite the problems with public education, it was designed to serve that purpose. It needs to be valued and maintained.
About the Author:
If you are looking for information about problems with public education, visit the web pages online here today. You can see details at http://www.1stgencollege.com now.