How do you feel about school vouchers?

[Sinderelli]

This is a big news story here right now. Students in Orleans Parish who attend failing schools may have the opportunity to attend private/Catholic schools on a voucher. This is causing a huge debate here.

I teach at a Catholic school in Jefferson Parish (about 15 minutes from N.O.) and my school is one of the schools that will be accepting vouchers. I am not quite sure how I feel about the issue. First of all, I totally agree that all children should have access to a quality education. On the other hand, we have so many parents at our school who make serious sacrifices to send their kids to our school with no help whatsoever.

Example- a friend of mine just lost her sister in a tragic accident. She now has custody of her sister's 2 kids along with her own 2. She is struggling to send all 4 to our school, but here's the kicker- she is not eligible for the "family discount" (at my school, 4th child attends free). She is also not eligible for the voucher because she does not live in Orleans Parish.

Doesn't seem very fair, does it? I'm looking forward to everyone's opinions.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

ohhh as much as I wish I could comment I can't. I CAN'T AND I WON'T *runs far away from thread*

wait I just commented.

Utah just spent a HUGE amount of time on this..outside money was brought in to try to get it to pass and it didn't. thank the heavens above.

 

[luvmy3]

I don't think its fair at all. You are right some parents sacrifice everything so that their children can attend these schools, my father was one of them. He also had to pay his taxes to help the public schools. I say if they are giving vouchers for these students, then parents who pay tuition to these schools should receive vouchers for their taxes.
I also think that instead of handing out vouchers so that children can attend better schools, we should be fixing the public school system so that those schools are just as good.

 

[loco4dis]

I am a public school teacher and I TOTALLY support vouchers in areas where the schools have a long track record of failure and under-achievement. Making taxpayers continue to pay for failing schools should be a crime. For example, the Detroit Public Schools per pupil spending is nearly $12,000, and they have a 21% graduation rate. Appalling. And voucher proponents in Michigan are asking for vouchers of about $3,000, so the state will still get $8,000 in tax funding for students they won't be teaching. How could any sane person oppose this? I'll tell you what, they oppose it because it isn't THEIR kids attending those failing schools. When I used to hear Hillary Clinton talking about this issue and her opposition to it I'd scream at the TV "You sent YOUR kid to a $20,000 a year private school so she wouldn't have to attend the Washington, DC, public schools, you hypocrite!" But guess who is the biggest lobbying organization in America? The National Education Association (teachers unions). They own the politicians, and children suffer. It's a national disgrace.

 

[Sinderelli]

I am a public school teacher and I TOTALLY support vouchers in areas where the schools have a long track record of failure and under-achievement. Making taxpayers continue to pay for failing schools should be a crime. For example, the Detroit Public Schools per pupil spending is nearly $12,000, and they have a 21% graduation rate. Appalling. And voucher proponents in Michigan are asking for vouchers of about $3,000, so the state will still get $8,000 in tax funding for students they won't be teaching. How could any sane person oppose this? I'll tell you what, they oppose it because it isn't THEIR kids attending those failing schools. When I used to hear Hillary Clinton talking about this issue and her opposition to it I'd scream at the TV "You sent YOUR kid to a $20,000 a year private school so she wouldn't have to attend the Washington, DC, public schools, you hypocrite!" But guess who is the biggest lobbying organization in America? The National Education Association (teachers unions). They own the politicians, and children suffer. It's a national disgrace.

I agree that the schools need to be fixed, but if the parents are not involved in their child's education in the public schools, a voucher will not help at all.

 

[BrerMom]

I agree that the schools need to be fixed, but if the parents are not involved in their child's education in the public schools, a voucher will not help at all.

 

[castleview]

I agree that the schools need to be fixed, but if the parents are not involved in their child's education in the public schools, a voucher will not help at all.

You hit the nail on the head! Public school systems that do well, do well because parents and citizens expect that and are involved in their child's education.

Plus, if a private school accepts vouchers they will eventually have to abide by the stupid bureaucratic crap that kills public school systems. In short, private schools will no longer be private.

Vouchers are extended welfare, IMO. If you truly care about your kids education, you will find a way to get him a great education - either by sacrificing to afford a private school or living in an area with a good public school system. Better yet ,if parents would just stay on their kids' butts and make sure they do their work, any public school would work better.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I agree that the schools need to be fixed, but if the parents are not involved in their child's education in the public schools, a voucher will not help at all.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

By the way, the way it was 'working' in Utah is they were going to give it according to your income. STILL giving money to the people who were already putting their children in Private schools (Which in Utah is normally wealthy people) and giving SOME money to low and middle class which would mean they STILL would not be able to afford the, say, 1000 extra it'd take. So it seemed like the only people coming ahead were the wealthy, even tho it'd only give them a 300 dollar break.

Taking from the poor to give to the rich, anyone? Taking money out of public schools is NOT the answer. Parental assistance IS

 

[loco4dis]

You hit the nail on the head! Public school systems that do well, do well because parents and citizens expect that and are involved in their child's education.

Plus, if a private school accepts vouchers they will eventually have to abide by the stupid bureaucratic crap that kills public school systems. In short, private schools will no longer be private.

Vouchers are extended welfare, IMO. If you truly care about your kids education, you will find a way to get him a great education - either by sacrificing to afford a private school or living in an area with a good public school system. Better yet ,if parents would just stay on their kids' butts and make sure they do their work, any public school would work better.

Parents caring isn't enough. When you've got a bloated, corrupt, inept school system — as most inner cities do — and a political apparatus through the NEA that is ONLY interested in maintaining the status quo, the only thing that will bring change is competition for students. Monopolies always result in poor goods and services. Seriously, Google for news stories about school districts such as Detroit, DC, Los Angeles Unified. You will be shocked — I mean really SHOCKED — at the level of corruption that goes unchallenged because of the nexus of political interests and political power. Again, it is a national disgrace…and generation after generation of poor children are paying the price.

 

[castleview]

Parents caring isn't enough. When you've got a bloated, corrupt, inept school system — as most inner cities do — and a political apparatus through the NEA that is ONLY interested in maintaining the status quo, the only thing that will bring change is competition for students. Monopolies always result in poor goods and services. Seriously, Google for news stories about school districts such as Detroit, DC, Los Angeles Unified. You will be shocked — I mean really SHOCKED — at the level of corruption that goes unchallenged because of the nexus of political interests and political power. Again, it is a national disgrace…and generation after generation of poor children are paying the price.

Those parents shouldn't tolerate that. I'm no fan of the NEA, but scapegoating them rather than parents is politically safe in my opinion.

 

[castleview]

. When I used to hear Hillary Clinton talking about this issue and her opposition to it I'd scream at the TV "You sent YOUR kid to a $20,000 a year private school so she wouldn't have to attend the Washington, DC, public schools, you hypocrite!" .

I can't believe I'm about to defend Hilary Clinton, but...she chose and had the money to send her kid to a private school (and I believe the kids was in public school before they moved to D.C.). Vouchers would just be another entitlement program that will keep parents from rising up and working toward a goal.

 

[dsanner106]

All students regardless of income etc should have access to vouchers. If they attend the public school, that school gets the funds, if they attend private that school gets the funds. The public schools would still get the govt funding for buildings, programs etc, about 8,000 per year, and the students they retain kick in their 4000.00 voucher. The public schools come out ahead on a dollars per student basis, and the worst schools have incentive to get better. My county schools are about to lose their accredidation, only the second time since the 50's this has happened to an entire school system. Vouchers were shot down, the kids are not getting accredited diplomas for graduation, are not eligible for the state college scholarship programs, cannot get athletic scholarships to college without the diploma. They are trapped. The parents have been volunteering in record numbers and participate heavily, this has absolutely nothing to do with test scores etc, it is bureacratic ineptitude, but the kids pay the price. YEAH FOR VOUCHERS.

D

 

[KatheeME]

School vouchers used to attend private/religious schools are unconstitutional. What is the debate? MY tax dollars are to used for someone to attend a school before of a personal, un proven belief? Inequity in public schools is not solved by allowing children to attend private/religious schools. Use that money and more, much more, to create equity in public schools.

Kathee

 

[Sinderelli]

Parents caring isn't enough. When you've got a bloated, corrupt, inept school system — as most inner cities do — and a political apparatus through the NEA that is ONLY interested in maintaining the status quo, the only thing that will bring change is competition for students. Monopolies always result in poor goods and services. Seriously, Google for news stories about school districts such as Detroit, DC, Los Angeles Unified. You will be shocked — I mean really SHOCKED — at the level of corruption that goes unchallenged because of the nexus of political interests and political power. Again, it is a national disgrace…and generation after generation of poor children are paying the price.

Complacency across the board has been the death of the public school system, at least in New Orleans. If the powers that be knew the parents were watching their every move they would not pull half the crap that they do. Unfortunately, in N.O., the majority of the parents can't or won't take a vested interest in their children's education. I know not all are like this, but I have enough friends in the system who describe having only 1 parent show up for conferences, etc.

I feel my job as a teacher is important, but I am not going to take the credit away from the parents. Without their interest and daily support and commitment, my students would not be as successful as they are.

 

[KatheeME]

Using vouchers to opt out of a failing school is one thing, but for a religious school? How is that okay people? Religion is a belief, a personal preference, nothing to do with education. If you want your children to get a religious education, send them to church. Period.

Kathee

 

[disneyjunkie]

I'm also one of those parents who has to sacrifice for her son to attend a private school.

I'm all for vouchers. My son isn't any more deserving or worthy of a great education than the next child. Having a voucher kid in class with my son won't take anything away from him.

I’m not concerned about what’s fair. I’m happy that I’m able to pay my son’s tuition each year. If a voucher program will allow a few more kids to have the same opportunity my son is getting, then I’m all for it.

Why would I complain/ be upset about someone having an opportunity to better themselves?

 

[Sinderelli]

I'm also one of those parents who has to sacrifice for her son to attend a private school.

I'm all for vouchers. My son isn't any more deserving or worthy of a great education than the next child. Having a voucher kid in class with my son won't take anything away from him.

I’m not concerned about what’s fair. I’m happy that I’m able to pay my son’s tuition each year. If a voucher program will allow a few more kids to have the same opportunity my son is getting, then I’m all for it.

Why would I complain/ be upset about someone having an opportunity to better themselves?

I agree with most of what you've stated. ALL children should have access to a quality education. However, do you feel that parents of students already in the private/Catholic schools who are struggling to make ends meet should also be given a voucher? Did you read my earlier post about my friend raising her sister's kids?

I teach in a Catholic school with a lower socioeconomic base than some of the other Catholic schools in Jefferson Parish. Every year, I usually lose one student for non payment of tuition. These are parents who WANT their kids to have the education we provide, but may not have the means to give it to them. Shouldn't they receive a break, also?

 

[Chicago526]

I think vouchers are a band aid at best. There is no requirement for the private schools to accept vouchers and nothing saying that the student given the voucher will qualify for admittence as some private schools require tests for admittence, the one just down the road from me does. Oh, and it's tuition for pre school is $10k a year, k-12 is even higher. Even if they took vouchers and the kid got in, I doubt the family could cover the balance after the voucher was applied. And, there are only so many private schools with only so much space. Once the private schools are full, then what?

Vouchers can work on a short term basis while longer term, perminant solutions are found. It's not just the towns/cities/states, it's not just the schools and the districts and the teachers unions, it's not just parents that can't or don't want to be involved. It's all of it, and a simple 10 second solution (hey, I know, vouchers are the answer!) isn't going to fix it.

 

[dsanner106]

School vouchers used for private or religious schools are absolutely NOT unconstitutional. First of all, we have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. Secondly, does freedom of religion trump our freedom of education? Should a child be forced to suffer a sub par education simply because the alternative would be to sit next to a christian in math class?? or go to private school and sit next to wealthy kids?? Does anyone see anything that makes this all unconstitutional??