LN - are you talking about our state or country? I am confused. You offer the suggestion of the German model so I take it to mean a national frame of reference. If that is the case, please check the following:

 

http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=65

 

Also, as to the quality of education from private schools vs. public schools there have been three major studies that have concluded the same outcomes. The research was done by Indianna University, Christian Science Monitor and sadly, the US Department of Education. The outcome: public school performance is slightly better than private school education in the subject testing areas - reading, math and science in the following grade levels: 3rd/5th/8th/12th grade. The US Department of Education study is the most recent and released mid 2007.

 

As to the post regarding other countries like China doing better please take it all in a matter of context. I have a fairly strong experience in this subject area. For a student in China that completes an education to the international standard of a BS degree - the AVERAGE cost spent on the student, per capita is nearly 4 times what the best spending is done in the United States.

 

China, like many other countries sort and select its population and deny educational opportunities for many. The few get the education effort of their homeland. The rest are set aside.

 

In spite of many failings - please do not deny what is absolutely still our greatest strength - we are the most education population in the world and in the history of civilization. That is and will continue to be our strength. China? Inquire about their percent of population that is denied education past our standard of the 8th grade. It is somewhere around 35%!

I have been advocating a German system on this site for a year. There are too many kids who do not want to learn being forced to learn and teachers who do not want to teach them being forced to teach them.

 

I look at education as a privilege, not a right. There is nothing in the Constitution that requires the government to provide you with a free education. The Courts disagree with me. However, it doesn't specify what type of education. I think we are free to tell little Johnny and his parents that he does not want to learn to go to college, so here is some money to spend on vocational training. We want you to learn how to handle nuclear waste. Go do that and make good money. God speed.

 

I agree, LN.

 

But there is in the state constitution and in all state constitutions, I believe. I know it to be the fact for Kentucky. I believe the reason it was so is the states were formed as the more central government of the people instead of the federal level. Boy, have things changed!

Here in Jeff County there is a waiting list for the traditional program, and to get into Manual High school you have to apply and get selected.

 

Noe Middle is the same as Manual.

 

I talk to parents almost weekly of trying to get their kids enrolled.

I only attended public schools and my children have only attended private schools.

 

Why? I like to have a say in their education. I like being seen as a customer and being treated like one by the school's administration. I like the religious instruction that is part of the curriculum. I like the fact that the students are held to a high standard and are not held back for the slower learners.

 

All private schools are not the same and we left one that was not up to our standards. We found a great fit and my children have flourished and are part of a loving, nurturing school with like-minded families.

 

Is it important to me?

 

You bet. I spend over $30,000 a year on school tuitions not counting transportation, full-price lunches, etc. It is both a sacrifice and investment

 

Are my kids better than public school kids? No, but they are better than they would be in the local public school. That, I am 100% sure of.

LN - are you talking about our state or country? I am confused. You offer the suggestion of the German model so I take it to mean a national frame of reference. If that is the case, please check the following:

 

http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=65

 

Also, as to the quality of education from private schools vs. public schools there have been three major studies that have concluded the same outcomes. The research was done by Indianna University, Christian Science Monitor and sadly, the US Department of Education. The outcome: public school performance is slightly better than private school education in the subject testing areas - reading, math and science in the following grade levels: 3rd/5th/8th/12th grade. The US Department of Education study is the most recent and released mid 2007.

 

As to the post regarding other countries like China doing better please take it all in a matter of context. I have a fairly strong experience in this subject area. For a student in China that completes an education to the international standard of a BS degree - the AVERAGE cost spent on the student, per capita is nearly 4 times what the best spending is done in the United States.

 

China, like many other countries sort and select its population and deny educational opportunities for many. The few get the education effort of their homeland. The rest are set aside.

 

In spite of many failings - please do not deny what is absolutely still our greatest strength - we are the most education population in the world and in the history of civilization. That is and will continue to be our strength. China? Inquire about their percent of population that is denied education past our standard of the 8th grade. It is somewhere around 35%!

 

No reason to state the obvious, we all know that you are confused:laugh: J/K.

 

I was thinking what we need to do in Ky.

 

Thanks for the link about the national enrollment trends. That surprised me. Perhaps my perception is wrong. Do you have any info as to enrollment trends in Ky?

 

Maybe I'm wrong and everything is just peachy with our public schools in Ky. No need to make any improvements or look at things from outside the box.

 

But I don't think that's the case.

No reason to state the obvious, we all know that you are confused:laugh: J/K.

 

I was thinking what we need to do in Ky.

 

Thanks for the link about the national enrollment trends. That surprised me. Perhaps my perception is wrong. Do you have any info as to enrollment trends in Ky?

 

Maybe I'm wrong and everything is just peachy with our public schools in Ky. No need to make any improvements or look at things from outside the box.

 

But I don't think that's the case.

 

I'm confused but you have wrong perceptions?:thumb:

I guess that is where the "bill by the hour" practice starts.:lol:

 

Somewhere the state data sits. Will try to find something. I know in NorKY the trend growth is strong towards public schools.

 

Peachy in schools - yep. THIS BUSINESS CAN USE ALL THE IDEAS OUT THERE.

My challenge to the public vs. private debate and I am on record as saying this.... I can support a choice/voucher program but only under one of two set of circumstances - either the private schools must adopt the accountability and responsibility models that is placed on public schools or the public schools can forgo those current obligations - make the field level.

 

Also, please note the debate to teacher's compensation. If those points are valid that teachers deserve more, know this - under every voucher program that is available nationwide the compensation difference between public programs and private is nearly 28% less. Not saying I may disagree or agree but that is the fact.

I'm confused but you have wrong perceptions?:thumb:

I guess that is where the "bill by the hour" practice starts.:lol:

 

Somewhere the state data sits. Will try to find something. I know in NorKY the trend growth is strong towards public schools.

 

Peachy in schools - yep. THIS BUSINESS CAN USE ALL THE IDEAS OUT THERE.

My challenge to the public vs. private debate and I am on record as saying this.... I can support a choice/voucher program but only under one of two set of circumstances - either the private schools must adopt the accountability and responsibility models that is placed on public schools or the public schools can forgo those current obligations - make the field level.

 

Also, please note the debate to teacher's compensation. If those points are valid that teachers deserve more, know this - under every voucher program that is available nationwide the compensation difference between public programs and private is nearly 28% less. Not saying I may disagree or agree but that is the fact.

 

Hey, we all have to make a living somehow:thumb: