Those standing in opposition to school choice fail to understand the reason parents decide to remove their kids from the public school system. It is not because these parents want to abuse their children in secret, it is not because they are helicopter parents, it is not because they desire to run and buy a giant TV with the EFA funds, it is not because they desire to rid public education from all of their funding, either.
I propose the reasons most parents decide to make the choice to find an alternative to public education right now for their children can be explained by logical reasoning: they have witnessed public schools that have largely fought back when parents express concerns such as why they have to ask for a bill in order for the school system to recognize and respect parental authority so they may know what their child is experiencing while in the schools, and why is there pushback?
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Parents have the God-given mandate to provide the best education they can for their children do they not? Why, as Americans, must they explain to the school system that they must be free to educate their children in the best method possible for the child? Education funding that all taxpayers pay that is per child, earmarked for Billy should follow Billy, should it not?
Or is our tax money for administration purposes only? Public education systems still receive money for children, even though they are choosing another method other than public school, do they not? Is it the institution that is the focus when taxpayers are serious about guarding the future of America or is it the knowledge, virtue, and truth the student is receiving from their education that is on their minds?
Noah Webster On The Education Of Youth In America 1788:
“It is an object of vast magnitude that systems of education should be adopted and pursued which would not only diffuse a knowledge of the sciences but may implant in the minds of American youth the principles of virtue and of liberty and inspire them with just and liberal ideas of government and with an inviolable attachment to their own country.” .
Noah Webster along with our Founders recognized how important it was to educate on Principles of Virtue and of Liberty. Are our schools today concerned with instilling such virtues in our kids? My eyes tell me “not so much”. While catering to the unvirtuous voices, the public education machine gambles on losing those who take our Founders’ advice seriously. They should not be alarmed when people choose another way. A Republic such as ours must be run by people of virtue and knowledge. As Franklin said,
“You have a Republic, if you can keep it.”
I would recommend the public schools change their methods and curricula to match our Founders’ wise advice if they are concerned about losing more money to private schools and home education.
Originally posted at the Union Leader.
