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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?

No, you have a couple of misconceptions. I have experience with them all. Private schools are better because they are acountable for providing a high quality education for each child. Public schools are wrapped up in a lot of excuses and play the class warfare game. Most teachers come from low socioeconomic backgrounds and take that out on the kids in the classroom.

In this respect, the best enviornment is actually the Catholic school which is rigorously egaliltarian based on the belief that each child is made in the image and likeness of God. Schoolwork is a form of worship. Christian schools may be the same. I don't know as they do not consider me qualified to teach there.LOL

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?

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Do you have children? (Just curious)

The reason people send their children to private schools isn't "exclusiveness" it is for the physical safety of their children, less exposure to drugs and early sex, and a better education. To ascribe the motive of seeking "exclusiveness" to parents with these motives is highly snobbish and grossly unfair on your part. Your own words condemn you and stand for all to see and judge for themselves.

I do KNOW that teachers get far more vacation time and have the shortest work day of any other worker that I know. I have many teachers in my family and I KNOW that they are not putting in the off-work hours of other professionals. They do NOT have 24/7 responsibilities, are NOT on call, do NOT wear beeper, if they are not at their top form of a day no one will die or be permanently injured.

You can bleat like sheep all you want about how hard teachers work but the rest of us KNOW better. Like me they too have teachers for relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

Also, thankfully we have the new media and the TRUTH about government schools and teaching is finally getting the press it deserves.

We are not "rich" and we sent our six kids to private school. I got to know most of the parents at the private school, and none of them were "rich", either. So much for that ignorant stereotype.
Private schools will continue to outshine public schools even if vouchers are implemented. Private schools only need admit as many students as they wish to handle. They will also continue to have discipline, unlike public schools. Private school teachers are usually paid less than their public counterparts. Private schools have very little administrative costs, and the cost per student per year is about 1/3rd what the public schools cost. Some public schools will survive and improve their product under a voucher system. Others will go under, and good riddance to them.

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.?

Depends on the area. Here, I would say we are underpaid. I don't advocate salaries comparable to programmers or engineers, but a little highser would help. I don't like the "9 months work" argument either. I put in at LEAST 20 weeks worth of full-time unpaid work each year as others do with other jobs too.

Public school is just that: PUBLIC. You get what you get and everyone is lumped in together.

I like the notion here of making every school a "choice" school. It's not going to come from more money or diverting money. It's going to come from collective attitudes and efforts of people working for strong community schools. When it happens here, it's going to be wonderful. I plan to start with my own neighborhood school next year.