Quote:
Originally Posted by First Lady
Having the $$$ (already allocated) follow the student (voucher system) does not pay for private schooling. They still have to pay the additional fees.
A voucher system brings in an element of competition. Schools would have to excel to attract the students in order to get funding. I know that sounds a bit scary, but it would actually create a stronger public system.
We would actually see schools start to emerge to address the true needs of students. We would see more Dr. Oakleys (literacy immersion) or James Fowlers (trade development). It would open the door to all sorts of possibilities; arts schools, music, etc.
No, this wouldn't save money (though the potential is there), but it absolutely will make the system more effective and student outcomes would be higher.
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Okay, but in the States, where they've had voucher-like systems, public education has gone to the dogs. Americans, especially in the south east do their best to get their kids into whatever private school or parochial school possible, just to avoid the public system.
Public schools already compete for students, as, in Alberta, parents may send their child to whatever public school they want (even if it's not their designated school), provided there aren't in-jurisdiction students wait listed, who would have priority.
I have sat in at admin meetings where our principal is trying to come up with a way to make our school unique, thus attracting more students. Remember, when enrollment decreases, teachers get surplussed. Even though they don't get fired, moving schools is akin to having to start a new job.
You've listed some examples of choice within the public system (which I strongly support). In Calgary, we have Arts and science based, traditional, trade, vocational,all girls, alternative, etc.
Public demand will spur that on.
Maybe I'm wrong, but honestly, I feel the whole point of this "school choice" movement is more social policy than fiscal, based on the notion of attracting religious voters who don't like their kids being "indoctrinated" by the secular state.