Public schools matter.
In a democratic society, it is important that all children are provided education. ALL children, no matter race, creed, or disability. No matter gender, gender identity, homosexuality, or heterosexuality. No matter immigration status or native language. ALL children deserve an education.
Public schools matter.
Private schools will educate children but nothing requires them to educate ALL children. Not because private schools don't care about ALL children but because they might provide a specific religious point of view and they want to hold true to their beliefs. PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO EDUCATE ALL STUDENTS.
Public schools matter.
Tax money provided to private schools through vouchers will allow some students who already go to private schools to now have the private school paid by taxes. Other students will also get vouchers increasing the overall number of students in private schools. However if they don't meet the private schools standards (athletic, academic, behavior, etc.) they could be removed. Because public schools educate ALL students, these students will be back at a public school. Public school opponents will then point at the lower test scores and higher discipline rates as proof of failing public schools.
Public schools matter.
Public school students grow more than their private school counterparts when accounting for similar demographics. However, anytime one group is exclusive and the other fully inclusive, the data will be skewed. If, as an example, a school only takes children who get A's in class and the other takes all students, doesn't it stand to reason that a higher percentage of students will get A's at the first school. By the way Mrs. DeVos, this paragraph was dedicated to the understanding of the difference between proficiency and growth.
Public schools matter.
Charter schools are for profit schools. How is this more efficient or more responsible to the tax payers? It isn't. Some charters perform better than public schools, some the same, and others worse. On the whole, public schools outperform charter schools.
Public schools matter.
Public, public charter, and private schools are not held to the same standard and yet vouchers and charters threaten to siphon money from public schools without the same accountability.
Public schools matter.
I love every student in my school. If we reduce public school money by siphoning some of it off for students to go to private schools, will my students be allowed to stay at the private school even if they are transgender? Will they be able to stay if they are a discipline issue? Will they be able to stay if they openly support a pro-choice viewpoint. Will they be able to stay if they proclaim atheism?
Public schools matter.
Do we want a society where some students are educated and others are not based on beliefs or race or any other number of factors?
If all kids matter, then public schools matter.
