by NO Author Name

Created on: January 22, 2009

In my own life I have experience the multi-tier system of education in the United States. When I say multi-tier, I mean the different level of efficiency and quality of our nations public schools. I have seen the effects of under funded public schools, and I have seen what is possible when a school is working competently. Recently the public has been divided on the issue of school vouchers. These vouchers would allow parents to take their kids out of public schools and place them in private schools. Political parties and candidates have used school vouchers as political footballs and have made it appear to the public as a potential solution for closing the achievement gap. I think that the argument for vouchers has some validity, but warn that it is not the solution to closing our nations achievement gap.

Those who argue in favor of vouchers believe that it drives competition between schools and gives choices to parents. Believers in voucher programs believe they have the right to move their child out of these failing schools and into private ones. The belief is that when these schools see their student body transferring in such high numbers, they will put more effort into educating their student body. The belief that competition breeds superiority and success has greatly influenced the idea of school vouchers. The parents who seek vouchers believe that they should have the right to move their child to a school that is better suited for their child.

The opponents of vouchers believe that it will lead to the further dismantling of the public school system. To many who oppose them, vouchers represent a policy that was used by segregationist to continue segregation of schools in the south. The origin of vouchers still cloud the minds of many educators. The implementation of vouchers would immediately drive competition for tax funds between public and private schools. To the opponents of vouchers, competition is not healthy because it would propel politics into public school funding. Schools that could receive the most political favors would get the most resources. Educating students and awarding opportunity on the basis of merit is the fundamental purpose of public schooling. The belief is if you let politics into education, than every student does not have a fare chance at opportunity, just the ones with good politicians.

My answer to this is to allow states and counties to vote on the issue of school vouchers. Parents who feel vouchers are paramount can argue their case, while everyone gets to vote on the issue. The reason why these public schools are failing is the question to ask oneself. Rather than letting parents just transplant their kids, states and local governments should try to effectively close the achievement gap in their school districts. I believe that the argument for school vouchers has some validity because a parent should have the right to educate their kid the best way they see fit. I also believe that an anything goes approach can lead to the further disruption of the public school system. We as a country should be focused on educating our young to best of our ability and begin by closing this gap. In today's global economy, human capitol is vital. Our human capitol is slipping behind many other countries, and we need to close this achievement gap to stay competitive.

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