Hmmm. Gotta say that while that sounds good in theory, I generally agree with paka and stress_kitten on this one. I wouldn't mind protestant-based education for my child...but then again, even that is a broad brush and who's to say what flavor of protestantism it is? Down here in the Bible Belt, I can guarantee it wouldn't be MY brand of liberal protestantism. And then of course, there's the great head of "separation of church and state" to contend with. Magnet schools for arts or sciences are marginally tolerated here (I think they're a good idea, but I'm sure there are some who find them unfair) because they're seen as promoting important skills. Religion, on the other hand, even in its broadest sense, is only taught at a handful of US public schools (and we're talking comparative religion/philosophy, not specific doctrine), so there would definitely be a cry about the idea of advocating religion in the public schools-- opt-in or not.
Furthermore,say people agree. Only people who opt-in are in this new school. The old school continues. All are happy. Then the religious school starts to do REALLY well. Kids are getting great grades, the school is raised up as a beacon of good education, etc. Someone is now going to cry foul because suddenly the education at schools x and y is no longer equal.
You get the general idea. In the US, the proposed solution to this problem is to provide vouchers to parents which would subsidize school choice--even for religious schools. It's one of those campaign platforms that come and go. I myself am not sure about the idea, because I tend to see school choice as a difficult issue. I think that we should try to improve ALL schools, not just flee the bad ones like a rat from a sinking ship. However, at least vouchers help parents who can't afford private schools to have a few more options for their children.
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Date: 2006-08-17 07:56 pm (UTC)Furthermore,say people agree. Only people who opt-in are in this new school. The old school continues. All are happy. Then the religious school starts to do REALLY well. Kids are getting great grades, the school is raised up as a beacon of good education, etc. Someone is now going to cry foul because suddenly the education at schools x and y is no longer equal.
You get the general idea. In the US, the proposed solution to this problem is to provide vouchers to parents which would subsidize school choice--even for religious schools. It's one of those campaign platforms that come and go. I myself am not sure about the idea, because I tend to see school choice as a difficult issue. I think that we should try to improve ALL schools, not just flee the bad ones like a rat from a sinking ship. However, at least vouchers help parents who can't afford private schools to have a few more options for their children.
Ok, I've blathered enough. ;)