How can the increasing educational choices for parents by bad? They’re not. From viewing Miranda’s presentation last night on vouchers, and Kelly’s presentation on Charter Schools, my opinion about the positive influence these programs bring to the American educational system was solidified.
Focusing on the issue of vouchers, my first reaction would be that the government shouldn’t be spending more money, especially tax payer money. However, would we not want our tax dollars going to a program that is helping children escape horrific schools and give them a chance to a solid education at a private school? According to Miranda, proponents state that with the voucher program, citizens will have the freedom to spend their tax money as they choose. My thoughts ran back to what Dr. Scott asked last night in class. “Do you think these schools that are some of the worst in the country, could ever change?” (I think that is close to what she asked). I strongly feel that even if you brought the brightest teachers and resources to these schools, they would not change. This is not an optimistic point of view, but I firmly feel that it is our society that needs to change first. Unless morals and values can be changed, I don’t see these schools changing. So, these choices being offered to parents are an excellent way to help lift many of these unfortunate children out of their sad circumstances.
Miranda listed several other reasons why proponents say vouchers are good:
· Vouchers would localize accountably as opposed to relying on government standards.
· Vouchers would allow for a greater economic diversity.
In the Fox News clip from the Glenn Beck show that Miranda showed us, Jeanne Allen from the Center for Education Reform, stated that the voucher program in Washington, D.C. brings about diversity, and that is a good thing. As for accountability, Ms. Allen stated that because over 33% of D.C.’s public school population attend Charter Schools, and 1700 students are in a voucher program, the new chancellor of D. C. public schools was energized to bring about reform. I feel that these two programs do bring about a healthy competition to the educational arena. In the article “D.C. Vouchers Provoke Debate” from Teacher Magazine March 4, 2009, Republicans in Congress feel that the voucher program gives parents the choice they deserve for their children, and creates a competition for the public schools. This competitive pressure helps public schools to try to do better.
One last comment that Ms. Allen stated on the Glenn Beck show was that “education is about educating the child for what they need”. These children in D. C. need this voucher program to help them succeed. Who is going to stick up for these kids? Our new administration isn’t.
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Focusing on these "unfortunate children" in "sad circumstances" should be a concern of ours as educators. As Cindy mentioned in class, "poverty is not a disease or a handicap...[the poor] need to be given tools to move past [their circumstances]". These students are underprivileged and do not have the opportunities given to them as do many other students outside of the inner city limits. Dr. Scott mentioned that when the problem is in the community itself we need to not only start working with the schools, but "go further back, bringing in programs for one- to six-year- olds". It is only when we reach them at this young age and are able to teach the parents the value of an education, we will succeed in educating them when they reach school age.
ReplyDeleteMary, when you said; who is going to stick up for our students? I think that is such a good point. Our children have no voice. It is our jobs as adults to see to it that our children receive the best education possible. Dr. Scott was definitely right when she said if the problem is the community itself then we need to work on more than just the failing schools. I think we find it is just easier to place blame on everyone or everything else.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I think I did say something like this--although it was (and is) more of a question. I do believe "we" need to address the fundamental issue of poverty before we can hope to truly change schools. Is that "we" the schools? Individual teachers? "We the People?" Elected officials? Who is responsible for addressing the issue of poverty?
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