School choice debate centers on taxpayer funds.
School Choice vs. Public Schools: The Great Debate
The ongoing debate between school choice and public schools is capturing the nation’s attention once again. It’s a battle that ultimately comes down to how taxpayer dollars should be allocated.
Scott DiMauro, a high school social studies teacher and president of the Ohio Education Association (OEA), is a staunch advocate for public schools. According to him, the issue lies in how public funds are used to support alternative education options.
“We have no concerns and fully understand that private schools have been part of the fabric of American education for centuries, or the idea that parents have options and can choose to send their kids to public schools, private schools, or home school their children,” Mr. DiMauro told The Epoch Times. “The issue and the real debate is how public taxpayer dollars are used to subsidize those options.”
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The OEA, an affiliate of the National Education Association, is one of the oldest teachers unions in the United States. With over 120,000 members and 700 local affiliates across Ohio, the OEA advocates for fair funding of public schools and opposes the use of taxpayer dollars to support private school options.
Mr. DiMauro compared the situation to building a private road or a swimming pool in someone’s backyard. He believes it is not the responsibility of taxpayers to fund these private ventures.
‘2 Big Issues’
In 2021, Education Next reported that 18 states enacted new educational choice programs, while 21 existing programs were expanded. EdChoice dubbed it ”The Year of School Choice.” In 2023, an additional 19 states have also embraced expanding school choice programs, surpassing the previous record.
Vouchers are the alternative option provided to parents in Ohio. Mr. DiMauro highlighted two major issues with vouchers. Firstly, as the state spends more on private school vouchers, it essentially subsidizes private school tuition. According to EdChoice, Ohio ranked seventh in state spending for school choice programs in 2022, allocating $394.3 million in vouchers and tax-credit scholarships.
Secondly, public schools are held to high standards of accountability, while private schools receiving significant taxpayer dollars lack the same level of transparency and accountability.
Private School Regulation
Ohio has extensive regulations for private schools. They must meet detailed curriculum requirements, and students must pass Ohio graduation tests to graduate. Private schools are also required to submit annual reports to parents and the Ohio Department of Education to demonstrate compliance with minimum standards.
Private schools typically have boards comprised of founding members who aim to maintain the school’s original mission. This differs from community-elected boards in public schools. Mr. DiMauro argued that subsidizing private education does not lead to improved school performance, contrary to claims made by proponents of school choice.
However, a recent analysis by U.S. News & World Report showed that private school students outperform their public school counterparts in various subjects and college entrance exams.
‘Dire Situations’
Georgia state Rep. Mesha Mainor, formerly a Democrat, left the party due to their opposition to school choice. She represents a district in Atlanta that is divided by socioeconomic lines. Schools on the higher socioeconomic side are overcrowded, as parents from the other side of the highway use false addresses to enroll their children in better-performing schools.
Despite receiving nearly $1.5 billion in funding, Atlanta Public Schools have low proficiency rates in math. Ms. Mainor expressed concerns about the impact of poor education on future job prospects, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence and automation.
She argued that trapping children in a failing system perpetuates generational poverty and leads to dire consequences such as high crime rates and a K–12-to-prison pipeline.
‘Teachers Are Fed Up’
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten compared the language used by school choice advocates to that of Jim Crow-era segregationists. However, recent polling shows overwhelming support for school choice among registered voters, including Republicans, Democrats, and independents.
Ms. Mainor believes that Democrats oppose school choice due to their alignment with teachers’ unions. She emphasized that many teachers are frustrated with the system and are leaving because they no longer want to be part of a failing system that traps children in a cycle of poverty.
By the Numbers
A RealClear Opinion Research survey revealed that 71 percent of registered voters support parents’ right to use tax dollars for their child’s education. This support cuts across party lines and racial demographics.
Reports indicate that students entering college lack basic math skills, and academic stagnation has been a long-standing issue. The decline in public education cannot be solely attributed to Republicans, as Democrats claim.
What arguments do supporters of school choice make for diverting taxpayer dollars away from public schools?
Ecting Dollars Away from Public Schools’
Supporters of school choice argue that it allows parents to have greater control over their children’s education and promotes competition, which they believe leads to improved outcomes. They argue that public schools should not have a monopoly on taxpayer dollars and that parents should have the option to choose the best educational environment for their children. However, critics like Mr. DiMauro contend that diverting taxpayer funds to private school options reduces the resources available to public schools. They argue that this can lead to increased class sizes, limited resources, and a decline in the quality of education for students who remain in public schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 90% of U.S. students attend public schools. Critics argue that focusing on improving and supporting public schools, rather than diverting funds to alternative options, should be a top priority to ensure that all students have access to quality education. The debate between school choice and public schools ultimately centers around what is in the best interest of students. Proponents of school choice argue that it allows for greater innovation and customization in education, tailoring the learning experience to the individual needs and preferences of each student. However, opponents argue that school choice can lead to greater segregation and inequality in education. They argue that low-income students, who may not have the same opportunities or resources as their wealthier counterparts, may be left behind in a system that prioritizes choice over equity. There is ongoing research and analysis to determine the impact of school choice policies on student outcomes and achievement. It is a complex issue with varying perspectives and opinions. The debate between school choice and public schools is likely to continue as policymakers, educators, and parents grapple with the best way to provide quality education for all students. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, it is essential to find a balance that ensures adequate funding and support for public schools while also allowing for choice and innovation in education. Finding common ground and working towards shared goals of providing a high-quality education for all students should be the ultimate aim. While the debate may be heated and contentious at times, it is important to remember that at the heart of it all are the students who rely on the education system to prepare them for the future.The Impact on Students
The Future of the Debate
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