Different Term, Same Scheme - Vouchers [View All]

[liberal N proud]

The word “vouchers” is toxic, and everyone on the Hill knows it. That’s why Education Secretary Margaret Spellings and some lawmakers have introduced new legislation calling for “opportunity scholarships.” It’s the same tired voucher scheme with new packaging. At the end of the day, vouchers diminish the right of every student to obtain a quality education. They drain resources from programs that put qualified teachers in classrooms, reduce class size, and sustain good teaching and learning.

And here’s the irony: supporters of this bill talk about “accountability” and “choice,” but the legislation funnels taxpayer money to unaccountable private schools. Federally mandated tests, “highly qualified” teacher standards, and Adequate Yearly Progress don’t apply to private schools. And private schools can deny admission to anyone they choose, so the choice resides with the private school, not with parents.

Instead of luring students into unaccountable private schools, Congress should give public schools the resources they need to get the job done. Public tax dollars should be directed toward making every public school great, not making private schools profitable.
NEA on Vouchers: http://www.nea.org/vouchers

http://blog.thehill.com/