[DougB]

Originally Posted by TexaninVA

Have just now noticed this thread ... but here's a more general question.

Factually (not ideologically or emotionally) what does the data show about student achievement, in general, in terms of correlation with non-unionized teachers in a private school vs unionized teachers in a public school?

There is really no data because there are too many factors to consider. You can not just compare student achievement. It would be like comparing apples and oranges. Private schools do not take the same standardized tests as public schools, different social economic factors, disabilities, etc.

Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that all school districts have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with special-needs students.
Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to. As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with that student population.
However, most colleges and universities will say that students who enroll in college from public schools are as prepared as those from private schools and vise versa.