Educational Policy PLS 202 (Dluhy)

Educational Policy PLS 202 (Dluhy)

Background and Research Findings:

Performance and spending, a good correlation or just an argument about equity? (Emilia)
The gap between test scores of blacks and white students that narrowed thru the 1980s widened from 1990 to 1999. This is both an urban and suburban problem and not just a consequence of poverty and disadvantage. Speculation: lower expectations by teachers, fewer black students taking tougher courses, or different attitudes about education among black students.
In a 2 year study of students in New York, Washington, D.C., and Dayton the average performance of the black students who switched to private schools was 6% points higher than students who stayed in public schools. Interestingly study found no significant gains among students in other ethnic groups who moved to private schools from public schools. Parents say blacks do better because there is more discipline, less fighting, property destruction and racial conflict at the private schools.
Polls show that while overall support for school choice hovers around 50% in most polls, support among blacks tops 60% and can break 70% for blacks with school age children.
Carolina poll indicates in 2000 that citizens in this state rate schools in the following way---A=17%, B=36%, C=26%, D=9%, F=5%, DK=9%. However same poll showed that 55% oppose using public funds to help students pay for private schools while 33% supported the use. Different from national polls.

Critical Statistics in N.C.:

State funds 78.2% of costs of teaching, local government 15.4%, and federal 6.4%

Average per pupil expenditure $5,899. Range is from $8923 in Hyde to $4751 in Onslow.

57 charter schools, Average per pupil is $5252. Range from $9354 to $4424.

Critical Policy Issues:

Charter schools and vouchers—They only work under certain conditions, they should not be used as a universal policy
Tax credits for tuition paid to private schools-- everybody or “means tested”?
Fiscal disparity between schools—How much disparity should we tolerate?
Integration vs. segregation by race class and ethnicity?
Information Highway and Schools---Isn’t horizontal equity critical?
Teaching for state performance exams vs. preparing students for future?

Pros and Cons of Charter Schools and Vouchers:

The undermining-America Argument: Choice will destroy the American public school tradition. Critics of choice say funneling public moneys into private schools will unravel the financial underpinnings of the public school system. Proponents of choice say they have many examples where competition created by choice can motivate public schools to improve.

The “creaming” Argument: Choice will leave the poor behind in the worst schools. Critics say public schools take all students while private schools choose students based on their own criteria. Proponents say that the Milwaukee program shows that “A” and “B” students stayed in their schools but the “C” and “D” students are the ones that opted for choice.
The “Radical Schools” Scare: Extremists such as the KKK, religious cults, or other radical groups will start schools. Critics of choice say, can you imagine a KKK group, Skinheads, witches etc. setting up schools to teach their philosophy and using tax payer dollars to do so? Proponents say that federal and state laws already prohibit private and charter schools from unlawful discrimination and illegal activities. Most school choice proposals contain strong anti-discrimination provisions and basic accountability standards.

The “Church-State Argument: Allowing public funds to be used for tuition at religious schools is unconstitutional. Critics say religious schools now receiving vouchers describe their goal as instilling in children the tenets of their faith. Should public dollars be used for this? Proponents of choice say that the funds are directed by the parents of students, not the private schools. Government already supports religiously related organizations like hospitals, universities, and social service providers. We already have daycare vouchers as well that go to private and parochial centers. Three state supreme courts have upheld school choice under first amendment claims.

The “Lack of Accountability” Argument: Private schools are largely unregulated and therefore not accountable to the public. Critics say voucher schools are not accountable to the public. Proponents say that unlike public schools, schools of choice are directly accountable to parents, who can take children out of school and go somewhere else.

The “Big Brother” Argument: Accepting public funds would make private schools vulnerable to intrusive government regulation. Critics say vouchers would make parochial schools less parochial and private schools less private and subjecting them to public supervision. Proponents say that fears about excessive regulation may be allayed by well designed choice programs that protect private schools from intrusive regulations. The private schools in Milwaukee, the longest running choice program, have attracted more and more private schools into the program.

The “Choice is Expensive” Argument: Vouchers don’t cover the cost of private schools. Poor families will be left behind. Critics say the voucher rarely covers the cost of tuition. Proponents say that private schools, especially religious schools are a lot more affordable than is widely believed. To date, voucher program have been oversubscribed proving that vouchers cover enough, or all, of the costs.

The “Choice is Limited Argument”: There are neither enough tuition scholarships nor enough seats in private schools for more students. Critics say a voucher system can only accommodate a minimal number of public school students. There are simply too many public school students and not enough placements, ie. 90% of students in most areas are public. The proponents of choice say that the supply of private schools is elastic and responds to demand. As leaders make vouchers more available, the number of seat in private schools will increase accordingly. Simple case of supply and demand.

The “Failed Experiment” Argument: There is no evidence that school choice works. Critics say there is no compelling case to be made for vouchers based on achievement data. Proponents say school choice gives more students access to private schools and access to better education. Numerous studies confirm that students enrolled in private schools, either through choice programs or independently, do better academically compared to their peers in the public schools.

Texas Charter Schools, Preliminary Results:

Suburban schools are doing well, good results
Schools in working class and poor areas are not doing as well, less qualified teachers and larger class sizes

Florida Talented 20 Plan and affirmative action:

Governor Jeb Bush claims that new plan which guarantees state university admission to the top 20% of high school class increased minority enrollment by 10.7% in first year. An alternative to affirmative action.