The cause of democracy is bound up with
development of the intellectual capacities of each member
of society. For this reason, we are committed to a system
of public schools. John Dewey
DECEIT AND UNFAIR COMPARISONS
Far right religious leaders have advocated for the destruction
of public schools calling them godless government schools.
They blame public schools for all that is wrong with our society.
They ignore the overall success of the nation's system of
public education and focus on the failures in our inner cities.
To pretend that strengthening public schools is the primary
motivation for seeking taxpayer money for religious schools
is disingenuous. Those who seek public funds for their religious
schools are the same people who work against adequate funding
for public schools and then criticize them rather than working
to improve them. The criticism is their justification for
seeking separate funding. They put survival of their private
religious schools ahead of the public school system.
Private and charter schools draw students away from established
public schools. Under voucher and charter plans, taxpayers
pay for two or more schools in the same service area. The
poorest and most powerless neighborhoods are left with schools
that are deteriorating.
Giving the poorest a false impression that they will not
be left behind is wrong. Vouchers generally do not cover the
full cost of the best schools. Wealthiest schools can charge
more for tuition because their students have added income
via public funding.
Comparing private and charter schools with public schools
is unfair. Private schools can reject students with physical
disabilities and emotional problems.
SEGREGATING AMERICAN CHILDREN
Elitism emerges as the most involved parents find better schools
for their children. Learning to live with diversity is replaced
with planned separation. Social strife is bound to increase
as students are divided by religious, cultural and economic
distinctions. Our tax dollars are used to subsidize otherness
and alienation.
SUPPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
- Educated citizens are more employable, are healthier,
have greater pride and self-respect and are more likely
to take an interest in and participate in civic affairs.
- Education lowers crime, drug and alcohol abuse and unwanted
pregnancy.
- Recognize that a strong public school system is good
for our economy. Healthy, educated citizens are at least
as important as roads and communication systems.
- Exposure to diverse cultures and religions enriches and
strengthens our society and economy, increasing understanding
and mutual respect.
- Property values rise where there are strong neighborhood
schools.
IMPROVE OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
- Support teacher pay competitive with other professions.
- Encourage young people to choose teaching by offering
scholarships.
- Provide financial incentives for teachers to choose less
desirable neighborhood schools.
- Support Head Start.
- Lower class sizes.
- Encourage parents to be involved with their children's
schools.
- Volunteer at your neighborhood school.
