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Originally Posted by sadarl  I can totally see the other side of the equation though; I mean, why not do what we can to get EVERY school up to standards/best they can be so that every student has a shot at a good education. Not everyone has the 'option' to pick and choose their childrens' schools so it's on the edge for the leader of the people to say, oh it's good enough for everyone but not my kids (I'm not speaking of the Obamas--just in general--most in that office with children have all done it). . |
I totally disagree that every public school needs to or can be the best. Public schools, by their very nature, must deliver a solution that meets the needs of the distribution of students that attend. It is a matter of priority and what is good enough. I do agree that public schools need to make time and attention for their top end kids though and not cater to the lowest common denomiator, as is often the case. Should we really pay to offer the best to students and thier parents who aren't willing to take advantage of that opportunity or make themselves the best? I personally don't think so - and I know that I'll get flamed for it, but so be it. A public school can only do so much if the parents don't give a flip....don't make their children attend....don't make their kids do homework....come rushing to Johnny's side whenver he belts another kid in the nose, etc. My kids attended public school up to grade 8 and attended or are attending a private HS where the school, the student, and the parents are all on the same page. It helps A LOT to have these mutually agreed expectations, but I don't think you're likely to get there with public schools.
For what it's worth, most private schools offer scholarship opportunities for less advantaged students who bring the academic (or some other) credentials to the table. So,it's not like there is no opportunity for choice by parents that cannot afford it. Private schools operate with significant donations from their graduates...I know I didn't make any donations to my public schools after I left.
cj/