The higher cost in public school is due to special education. Public schools have to provide educational resources for each child, regardless of disability. Private and Catholic schools select students that they can accomodate. Think of all the disabilities, both mild and severe. Things like spina bifida, autism, and downs syndrome. They all receive a public school education if they choose. It costs a lot of money to educate all children.
"The higher cost in public school is due to special education. Public schools have to provide educational resources for each child, regardless of disability. Private and Catholic schools select students that they can accomodate. Think of all the disabilities, both mild and severe. Things like spina bifida, autism, and downs syndrome. They all receive a public school education if they choose. It costs a lot of money to educate all children."
I've heard this, and want to see a really reliable assessment of the assertion. I'm dubious that it's as much of an impact as it's made out to be. I'm also aware that special ed has become big business for public schools, who get a lot of special money for special ed plans; hence what I've heard described often as an epidemic of overdiagnosis of ADD.
All the waste comes from making available an education to those without the ability pr willingness to learn.
All the waste comes from making available an education to those without the ability or willingness to learn.