Lately you have seen a growing move for privatizing education?

Question

Lately you have seen a growing move for privatizing education. This trend has come about because the public schools are not getting the job done in relation to American youth. Do you think that public schools should be improved or move to a private system?

Answer 1

If we can't abolish or have input in the useless and incompetent teacher's union then I vote to go private. It's alarming to see how so many teachers in public schools are really only concerned about their salaries and could care less about improving their teaching methods. They will almost always contribute it to not having enough money or funds to provide quality education when that has already been exposed as a ploy to put more money in their pockets. Many of these teachers are no more educated than first year college students and only teaching while they wait for something better to come along. It is nearly impossible to sue a public school for a teachers misconduct or repeated violations of policies thanks to the teachers union blanket of protection. They will blame the child, the child's parents and anyone else before taking responsibility for their incompetence. Public schools need to be reformed and brought up to date with highly trained teachers since many families cannot afford the costs of public schools. But it might be a good idea to give incentives for the best qualified to ensure children in the US can compete with children in other countries, who do better and get the jobs here that our children should be getting.

Answer 2

Yes, and there's a ton of misinformation.

Consider the rant above about teacher's unions. Truth be told, over 95% of all parents rate their children's teachers as good or better. So where are all of these teachers driven only by greed--and if money is their only concern, why didn't they go into banking, which pays more and requires only a four year (or in some cases only a two year) degree?

Or consider that charge that public schools are failing. In fact, in the USA, our students score roughly equally to other industrialized nations' students on standard tests, and this is true for publics, privates, charters, parochials--with one exception; the huge urban school districts are hideous underachievers. Nothing yet attempted has improved those inner-city schools reliably across the board--the only thing that seems to work is a slightly preoccupied, driven, genius in one school at a time.

Of course, we could consider the social background of the inner city and conclude that the public school students, if left to other devices, would all be far more uneducated and uncouth.

There are a number of over-riding issues that get ignored. Private schools and charter schools create a haphazard system that's harder to hold accountable; they can close without notice, leaving students nowhere to go in the absence of a public system. Public curriculum could be coordinated (unlike independent schools') so that students in our highly mobile society could move from one school to another without serious mismatched in course work.

But our leaders are too stupid to acknowledge those truths, and instead they continue to spread lies about unions and achievement. The only worse thing would be if people kept believing those lies and abandoned the public system that made our nation great in the 20th century.

Answer 3

There has been something of a push for this over the past two decades.

Funny thing is, it hasn't happened, although it always seems to be threatening. The fact is, even in areas where education is well funded, you could not provide an acceptable level of instruction, co-curricular activities, etc, for what it costs the public system. This is true in Ontario (where I teach) where on average, about $3000 gets spent per student; it would be even harder in some parts of the US, where the per capita expenditure is much lower (mostly due to having less qualified teachers).

If no profit is to be made, capitalists quickly lose interest.

Answer 4

I studied with private schools because I was comforted in my own home, with help of an tutor at phone/ email and I didin't have stress of producing 'homeowrk' at deadlines.

I chose this option because I was bullied to teh extremes and I felt that I wasnot ready togo to any institution until I felt better, I abandoned my education after I left school for an year then I woke up suddenly to have this urge feeding iteself inside me to study again, I was 19 so it was okay, anyway my point is studying privately has its points you get ahead quickly in education but then again you have to pay.
This year all my bank balanace has gone for my this years and next years batch of courses fees,
government schools / colleges/ universities have their pros and cons the pros are that u can sociale with your friends and have boyfriends and lack of social life (of which I haven't had in 3 years because of my home education) and the cons are you save yourself from unnecssary stress from having to supply homework at deadlines, study hard, revise for stupid assessments etc

Answer 5

Improve the public schools. I think that would be the best solution. People can't afford a private school education.

Answer 6

Lets stop comparing our education system with Americans or other institutions. We are much better than Americans for sure. Yes, what we lack is job opportunities after the education is over and we run to other countries for the same. In NASA itself, around 65% are Indians who have got their education back in India. So please stop critising our education system.

Answer 7

private schools are not as good as public schools WHAY

Your goal is to find a school that will meet your child's needs. But how do you choose between a public school and a private school?

Cost
Public schools cannot charge tuition. They are
funded through federal, state and local taxes. When you pay your taxes, you are paying for your child's education and the education of other children in your community.
Private schools cost money. Private schools do not receive tax revenues, but instead are funded through tuition, fundraising, donations and private grants. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the median tuition for their member private day schools in 2005-2006 in the United States was close to $14,000 for grades 1 to 3, $15,000 for grades 6 to 8 and $16,600 for grades 9 to 12. The median tuition for their member boarding schools was close to $29,000 for grades 1 to 3, $32,000 for grades 6 to 12. Note that of the 28,384 private schools in the United States, about 1,058 are affiliated with NAIS. The Digest of Education Statistics 2005 from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that for the 1999-2000 school year, the average private school tuition was about $4,700.
Parochial schools generally charge less. According to the National Catholic Educational Association, in their annual statistical report in 2005-2006, the average elementary school tuition for Catholic schools (in 2005) was $2,607; the average freshman tuition (for 2002-2003) was $5,870. Catholic Schools enroll more students (49%) than any other segment of private schools.
Admissions
Public schools admit all children. By law, public schools must educate all children, including students with special needs. To enroll in a public school you simply register your child by filling out the necessary paperwork.
Private schools are selective. They are not obligated to accept every child, and in many private schools admission is very competitive.
Governance
Public schools must follow all federal, state and local laws in educating children. Such laws usually include specifics about funding, program development and curriculum.
Private schools are not subject to as many state and federal regulations as public schools. Since private schools are funded independently, they are not subject to the limitations of state education budgets and have more freedom in designing curriculum and instruction.
Curriculum
Public schools offer a general program, designed for all children, which usually includes math, English, reading, writing, science, history and physical education. In addition to these key subjects, many public schools offer programs in music and art. In a public school, the substance of what children learn is mandated by the state and learning is measured through state standardized tests.
NOTE: The charter school movement is picking up momentum in many states; these schools are public, but many offer specialized programs and smaller classes.
Private schools have the flexibility to create a specialized program for students. For example, private schools may use art or science in all classes, or take children on extended outdoor trips that blend lessons across the curriculum. Private schools can create their own curriculum and assessment systems, although many also choose to use standardized tests.
Teachers
Public schools: All teachers in a public school are usually state certified or, at a minimum, working toward certification. Certification ensures that a teacher has gone through the training required by the state, which includes student teaching and coursework.
Private schools: Teachers in private schools may not be required to have certification, and instead often have subject area expertise and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the subject they teach.
Students
Public schools: The children at most public schools usually reflect the community. Students may be split up based on ability or interests, but in many public schools, there is a diversity of student backgrounds.
NOTE: In many states, if you are not satisfied with your assigned school, you may be able to send your child to another public school in the area. Start here to learn more information about these options.
Private schools: The student population at a private school is determined through a selection process; all students must apply and be accepted in order to attend. Although students may be from different neighborhoods, they will probably have similar goals and interests. This tends to create a fairly homogenous student body.
Special Needs
Public schools: Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children, and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that most public schools have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with students who have particular needs.
Private schools: Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to (although there are a small number of private schools specifically designed for special needs children). As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with students with severe special needs. Private schools will try to help all the students they admit, but extra resources may also come at an additional cost.
Class Size
Public schools: Many states recognize the value of small classes and have provided funding to keep class sizes small in grades K-3. As students become older, class size tends to get bigger in public schools, especially in large school districts and urban schools.
Private schools: Private schools are generally committed to providing small classes and individual attention to students. Many parents choose private schools for this reason.
The Bottom Line
There are a few fundamental differences between public and private schools, but here's the bottom line: There are great private schools and there are great public schools. The trick is finding the school that best fits your child's needs. You may also want to consider public charter schools or homeschooling. It's a good idea to research the schools that interest you and, to get a true picture of the school.