I've always wondered if the ratio of administrative cost compared to the actual teaching costs translate into a ruler for success. I have this notion that the higher the administrative part of the ratio, the worse the schools are likey to perform. Are there any real statistics on this?
I have read the article and agree with a lot of it.
One point of contention is this:
Private school students achieve better results because (in my opinion): A. the class size is consistently smaller and that DOES make a difference. B. Kids in private schools have extra incentive (a kick in the pants) to do well since Mom and Dad are shelling out big bucks for tuition. They'd better damn well be doing well in school! C. Most private school students come from similar backgrounds-economically (translate-rich), life experiences, and education is a huge priority. Public school is just that: PUBLIC. You get what you get and everyone is lumped in together.
The point about teachers not working hard-well I don't know if we work harder than others, but I for one, sure don't work any less.
The complaint about underpaid teachers: That used to be a mantra with teachers-mostly because it was true! But, at least where I work, huge strides have been made and I think I receive very adequate pay and benefits. I'm not sure who continues to whine about being underpaid but I suspect it's union folks.?
And finally I'll just throw this out: If vouchers are implemented, don't you wonder what will happen to private school test results? Seems to me, private schools would lose their 'exclusiveness'-which is a huge point of private schools, isn't it?
Probably. But if there are I betcha the NEA, et al have buried it.
I agree with you 100%.