Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is apparently totally determined to enact legislation to benefit the education of students going to private schools at the expense of public school students. Governor Lee has called for a special legislative session on Jan. 27 to approve his plan paying for a portion of a private school’s tuition. We should all be letting our representatives know where we stand of the issue that could cost taxpayers about $400 million.
I am the product of a private school education, having attended Castle Heights Military Academy in the 60’s. My opinion is that private school vouchers are completely wrong and unnecessary. The entire idea of a private school is that parents want their child to get what they think is a better educational experience. They should pay for that experience, not take resources away from other students.
You might be wondering what’s the problem with vouchers? Vouchers impact public accountability – In dramatic contrast to the strong requirements faced by public school, private voucher schools do not have to meet important standards and they are not required to accept all students, opening the door wide for discrimination of all kinds.
Vouchers leave behind many students, including the most vulnerable – Vouchers leave behind many
disadvantaged students because private schools may not accept them or do not offer the special services they need. Students with disabilities and English language learners are underserved in voucher schools.
Vouchers often are not able to accommodate special education students – Students with disabilities attending a private school with a voucher would not receive all the Individualized Education Plan services they would otherwise receive in a public school. A number of parents are reconsidering the placement of their children in private settings and are returning them to public schools.
Vouchers do not raise student achievement for all – Research and evaluations have found little or no difference in voucher and public school students’ performance.
So I ask dear reader, does this program which will cost taxpayers of Tennessee an estimated $400 million make sense to you? It sure doesn’t make sense to me. Let your elected officials know what you think.
Fred Gault