I am for the concept of Choice because no child should be forced to go to a bad school against his or his parents’ will especially when there is a better school nearby. Parents not only freely choose any kinds of school but also allow to work with others to create new independent schools. Nowadays, we cannot ignore the reality that choice already exists for some privileged, rich people. It is fair to give our children a impartial chance at life through a better education.
As we know, school choice is a very complex issue. It involves state or federal authorities, finance and budgets, teachers, students, parents, communities, school resources…etc. Besides, it is also very disputant in the United States. However, although it looks like a very tough task to set the program into action, it really works in Vermont and that is my ideal choice program, too.
In Vermont’s educational choice system, the town school board pays tuition for students to attend any public or approved private school that their parents choose. You may be curious about the tuition problem. Here is how they deal with the tuition:
The school board of a so-called “tuition town” is required by law to pay the full tuition charged by a public school. It must pay an independent school an amount equal to the average tuition charge of the state’s union high school districts ($5,903 in school year 1993-94). If the tuition at the selected independent school is greater than this amount, the school district may pay the larger amount, but it is not required to do so. The parents must cover any difference. (McClaughry, 1995)1
It is so nature to achieve the school choice dream. No boast, no meaningless excuses and no intense horrors. The school choice extends to public and private school regardless of district lines. It is a venerable educational reform achievement. Every child can accept better education they deserve.
Some people may argue that school-choice advocates place great faith in the market model–effective schools would thrive while poor schools go “out of business.” It is true that provision of school choice would create a competition. However, it is not a vicious competition. We want to create a “win-win” situation. Schools and students should not in opposing — they complement each other.
Free Essays on Vouchers, School Choice, and Charter Schools
School Choice and Charter Schools
I am not so sure I am for or against the idea of school choice as much as the idea for educational equality. If school choice and charter schools are the way this country will gain equity in the schools then I am for school choice. I feel that the impoverished are not going to get the best education that is available to them in their area. If the town fifteen miles away is a much better school, both educationally and developmentally, then I believe that the student that goes to school A should have the opportunity to attend school B. Why should someone who was born into an underpriviledged home live an underpriviledged life? This child did not choose to be born into this family, so I believe we should give them some kind of choice in their lives. A good education, along with other assets that one can gain through education, is the answer to bettering one’s life. It gives these childrenm the choice to make a different life for themselves and for their children.
I am not so sure that there is an ideal school choice program, but then again does there really have to be? Choice is choice. If I am given the opportunity to choose, I will most likely make the right decision or I will fix the mistake that I made. If people are given the chance to better their lives, they will take that opportunity, if they are smart. We, as change agents, are not responsible to hold the hands of those who do not take the bull by the horn! There is only so much people can do for others. Give them the choice, and if they take it greeat, and if they don’t, what else can we possibly do.
I think the only responsibilty of the change agents are to inform the public of their choices. Let the public know what is out there, and what the benefits are to school choice. Most people are going to wonder why they should take the trouble to transport their children to a school that might be a little farther than the school in the neighborhood. I believe that it is also very important to give many choices. I think it would be a mistake to limit the students to certain schools.