News Herald – Juliann Talkington
Since 1980, government spending on education has doubled (adjusted for inflation). . . . No country spends more per student on K-12 education. No country achieves less education per dollar spent. Robert Compton, Executive Producer 2 Million Minutes
America’s schools are failing our kids. . . . We know that real change requires a better system — one that puts students’ needs before those of special interests or wasteful bureaucracies. Michelle Rhee, former Washington DC School Chancellor and Education Advisor to Governor Scott
In a recent international PISA test, the US came in 23rd or 24th in most subjects, behind most developed and many developing nations. In Florida, less than 30% of the eighth graders are proficient in science.
If reform is imperative, why is Governor Scott making waves with his proposal that all children should receive education vouchers?
Educational vouchers are tuition certificates that can be used by children to attend participating public, charter or private schools.
Proponents argue that vouchers: 1) increase choice, especially for low income families who would not otherwise be able to afford private education, 2) improve quality, because schools have to compete for students, and 3) give parents the power to choose what type of education their child will receive.
Opponents argue: 1) school quality and focus will vary, 2) there will be different administrative costs, and 3) education will become a private decision and public dialog will decrease./span>
The main proponents of vouchers are parents and elected officials who believe changing the system is the only way to improve student academic performance and cut spending.
The main opponents of vouchers are teachers unions and businesses that benefit from the status quo. The opponents are concerned that parents would use the allocated money to educate their child outside the public system, so less money would flow to traditional public schools. Many opponents send their children to private schools.
In general, the proponents of vouchers are poorly capitalized and not well organized. As a result, they have had little impact on the political process. Michelle Rhee formed Students First in an effort to mobilize parents and raise money.
The opponents of vouchers are well organized and well capitalized. Most of their money comes from union dues.
With all the educational challenges we face in Florida, new ideas and approaches should be encouraged. If we keep our discussions focused on what is best for kids, the right decisions will be obvious.