Education
If you already read my Rants on Campaign Contributions, then you have an idea of my belief in fair competition and a lasifair government. That wraps up my feelings about most things, including education.
If public education were excellent, why are all the public schools not creating college prepared students? What is it that private schools have over public schools? Can public schools copy the success of private schools? Is there a good way to help competition? The keys are:
- Gradual change is needed; nothing quick
- The government shouldn’t show any preference except towards the outcome.
- Income of the parents shouldn’t prevent students from going to another school, provided a commitment from the parents for the education exists. That commitment includes the parents providing transportation.
- Parents should be able to choose what is studied. Recommendations provided, but the parents get the final say. That doesn’t alter which standardized tests are given to the students, however.
- Competition is needed – the money follows the student. If a student leaves, then so does their money. Competition is good.
- Parents should be able to select the school – within seating limits – that their children attend. How would you feel if the government told you which grocery store you were allowed to shop at? Why do they get to tell you were you must send your child?
- Failure (low scores) should force a school out of business, not have more money thrown at it.
- Learning is the primary purpose for a school, not playing sports. Being on a sports team is a privilege once acceptable grades have been achieved. Teamwork can be learned by group exercises in all subjects, including PE.
