Quote:
Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby
The failing schools are failing because they're underfunded. Poor people can't afford to TRANSPORT their children to private schools, which don't provide bus service. Poor people don't live within walking distance of good schools. Some kids don't live in walking distance to any school, but because of the PUBLIC school system, their right to free education means the system has to provide the transportation for them. As long as they're attending the public school. "Invitation-only" or "qualification only" schools such as charter schools and magnet schools, and private schools, don't have to provide free transportation for those students. Poor people can't afford to pay for that transportation.
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In NY and NJ busses and books are provided to children attending private schools. In NYC where I went to school (Bronx) within three blocks of the PS was a Catholic School, A Jewish School and a private school. Offer the parents the opportunity to send their kids to the school they choose. Where there is the will, they will find a way. With Catholic Schools spending 2/3 of what the PS do per pupil, and getting better results based on standardized test scores, and graduation rates, a parent will do what they must to provide their child a better education. Catholic schools in lower income and newly arrived immigrant communities are closing at record rates. Without vouchers children in these underserved communities will have fewer choices. You and I are most likely close in age. Since we were children in school we have heard that choice must not be offered as the PS needs the funds to improve. Fifty years down the road, several generations of children, they have not improved. It is immoral not to offer these communities the opportunity to choose. We are perpetuating poverty by having children from poor communities attend sub par schools.