Free Essays on Possibilities Offered by Vouchers and School Choice

The Exciting Possibilities Offered by School Choice

We are in the midst of an unprecedented attack on public schools in the United States. What is causing this attack? Since schools are public institutions, they are by their nature subject to close scrutiny in a democratic society such as ours. All would agree that public schools must be willing to change to meet the changing needs of the greater society. It just seems that in the past decade, the mudslinging has gotten out of hand.

Only now is evidence emerging testifying to the fact that much of the criticism leveled at public schools is exaggerated and misplaced. It is easy to forget that schools reflect what is happening in society, not cause it. Schools of today have recently shown that they are performing better than ever. Unfortunately, the traditional challenges confronting schools have increased dramatically and broadly as the world and students have changed. Now schools are facing drastic change -- necessary change that must take place quickly so students are able to cope in a dramatically changing world of the future. All of the criticism creates fear in teachers and administrators rather than a desire to embrace change.

There is now a great push towards choice. Choice sounds innocent enough and very positive in a democratic society such as ours. Choice is fundamental to ours roots of democracy -- it produces competition, creativity, and high-quality results. Shouldn't people be free to choose where their children go to school and with whom? Those who propose choice systems of schooling argue that the public school system is a "failed monopoly" that would improve if it were subjected to the forces of the marketplace (Houston, 1993). They also argue that it will save public school money, that it will increase the sense of community and pride of ownership in schools -- either public or private, and that it will bring about sweeping changes in education. Supporters contend that it will make the school system much more responsive to community needs, improve accountability, standards and curriculum.

School choice has its critics as well. A voucher system means that public money would be made available to parents to use in any educational setting -- public or private. Just about anyone could open their own "school" and there would be little control. Most public schools are already underfunded, if resources are drained and given to private schools, would discrimination result for those who remain?