No

by Toni Doswell

Created on: May 12, 2009

As one comic put it, "You Wish!" Yes, wouldn't sending your child to the exact school of your choice, regardless of income, be a wish come true? Come down out of the clouds, and let's look at the reality of the entire matter. Parents who can barely afford food and clothing for their children will, perhaps, never be able to send their children to the exact school of their choice. The charter schools, which serve as alternate choices to public schools are out there, but even they, perhaps cannot compare to a prestigious private school. The fact is, "All parents desire the best possible education for their children." I don't know one person who could hardly disagree with this assumption, however, I only know a few people that can give their children "the best" education available.

You might like a Corvette, or a Hummer. I like them too, but can only afford to go down to the showroom and longingly look at them. Maybe the day, when all my bills are paid off, I can get one, but for now the reality is- "I can't afford one!" So most parents realize that they cannot afford to put their precious children or grandchildren in schools which offer optimal education. They have to settle for either neighborhood schools, charter schools, or schools of choice. It's as simple as that.

Children who attend prestigous schools are put there because the parents can afford the cost. There is also the aspect of knowing that the other children who attend the school have parents who can afford the cost. Oh, yes, it is an elitist feeling, but nevertheless, real. Actually, parents who pride themselves on sending their children to private schools do not want their children exposed to any and everything that comes when you blend children from everywhere together. They want top quality teachers, the latest successful methods, excellent technology, and even tutorial support if their children are experiencing difficulty in an area. Those who can afford private school would remove their children from a school which allows any and every child to attend. Call it exclusive, and you would be right. I firmly believe that parents who don't care generate this spirit to their children. These children who don't care exude negative behaviors and attitudes on to the children who do care. These bring the ones who care down.

No, I staunchly believe that every parent who can afford to send their children to a school of their choice should be able to do everything that goes along with that choice. They should be able to participate in parent/teacher conferences, support all the school's programs as far as possible, and have enough money to pay for the extra expenses for extracurricular activities. If they cannot do these simple things, then they should be willing to send their children to a school which does not expect those things from parents. Face it -don't expect something for nothing- not even quality education. The best news however on this topic is that parents do have choices to help their children got that quality of education which they crave. Even if their children attend schools which are rated low, they can read to them, help them at home, make sure they do their homework, and expose them to as many cultural events as they can afford. They can spend some time each week volunteering at their children's schools and make that school a better place.

Parents who come from low socio-economic circumstances may have to work or some depend on the social services available in their area. They cannot always afford out-of-pocket field trips every time the school informs them. They can, however, support the fund raiser activities. This makes for a disparity, and certainly this disparity is felt by the children. If you have ever gone to a school where there is a stark diversity in economic advantages and disadvantages you would know.

As I have evidenced, there are poor parents who actually are very supportive of their children in school, but I have seen that there is an apparent difference in the number of parents who show up to attend their children's parent teacher conference. In the poorer neighborhoods, the attendance was dramatically down. In the more affluent neighborhoods, attendance was up, and the overall spirit of caring was manifested.

Just as a person who does not work or has a low income should not be allowed to drive an expensive car off of a car lot, just so common sense dictates that parents who do not have the money should not expect the tax payers to pick up the tabs on a private school edcuation for their children. You get what you pay for, and everyone should be able to pay for what they want.

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