Public School Policies

From unions to vouchers, school budgets to discipline policies, we cover some of the most controversial issues affecting public schools today. Learn more about education reform and how it impacts your family. Keep current on the latest controversies regarding religion, sex-education, civil rights and more.

View the most popular articles in Public School Policies:

How Much Does It Cost to Educate a Child?

Updated
|
How Much Does It Cost to Educate a Child?
Every year, standardized tests reveal that public school performance is woefully low. Yet you pay taxes to fund public education, so where does that money go? Keep reading to find out how much it really costs to educate your child.

When you think of how your child’s education is going to cost, you probably think of the expenses you cover yourself. From school books and uniforms to daily lunches, transportation to and from school, and extra educational materials at home, the costs add up quickly. But what about the costs you don’t cover? Things like teacher salaries, school maintenance and repairs, taxes, and more – someone has to pay these costs, but who?

If your child attends public school, it is likely that the majority of the cost of his education will be shouldered by the government (federal and state as well as local). One might argue that your taxes pay for a portion of those costs, but it is nowhere near the thousands of dollars it actually takes to send your child to public school for a year.

Depending on where you live and the quality of the local education system, you may be wondering just where all of that money goes. In this article, we’ll discuss the average annual cost to educate a student in different states as well as some of the ways your tax dollars are spent.

This video from The Cato Institute examines the cost of public K-12 education.

Annual Costs for Public Education by State

Spending varies drastically for public education from one part of the country to another. The biggest spender is New York, shelling out over $20,000

. . .read more

An In-Depth Look at Common Core – What’s Working and What Isn’t?

Updated
|
An In-Depth Look at Common Core – What’s Working and What Isn’t?
The Common Core State Standards Initiative, more commonly referred to simply as “Common Core”, was introduced to help American students graduate from high school better prepared for career and college. But what exactly are these "common core" standards, and are they working?

If you attended a public school in the United States, you have probably taken a standardized test at some point – probably a lot of them. Testing is one of the most common ways to evaluate the efficacy of an education program, though it may not always be the best way. One of the most well-known education programs that makes heavy use of testing is the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative, more commonly referred to simply as “Common Core”, was introduced in the early 2000s, though many people still have a poor understanding of what it is and how it has affected the nation’s school systems. This system has been in place for half a decade and yet the jury is still out on whether it works or not.

Whether you have detailed knowledge of what’s going on in the nation’s education system or not, you are probably aware that the most recent presidential election has led to some big changes. Keep reading to learn about the history of common core, its future, and whether or not it really works.

This video offers an explanation of Common Core.

A History of Common Core

According to the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the Common Core State Standards Initiative is, “a set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy,” also known

. . .read more

What are the Biggest Problems Facing the Public School System?

Updated
|
What are the Biggest Problems Facing the Public School System?
The American public school system is by no means perfect, but is it completely broken? Keep reading to learn about some of the top issues affecting the public school system.

The American public school system is far from perfect, but the list of top issues is constantly changing. Some say that the emphasis on standardized testing is destroying the quality of public education while others believe that schools are too crowded and parents are too uninvolved. The fact of the matter is that each public school system has its own problems depending on where it is located, the local demographics, the amount of funding it receives, and myriad other factors. Keep reading to learn about some of the biggest problems currently facing public high schools in particular.

The Top 3 Issues Affecting Public High Schools

If you were to ask parents from one hundred different school districts about the problems they see with the public school system, you would probably get 100 different responses. Although there are many different problems with the American public school system, recent data collected from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) shows that the academic performance of American students is significantly lower than their international counterparts. School systems are evaluated on a wide variety of factors, but there are some issues that tend to fly under the radar which still have a significant impact. Here are the top three.

1. Students don’t spend enough time in school.

The requirement for the number of school days varies slightly from one state to another. Currently, thirty of the U.S. states have a 180-day calendar – this requires students to be in school for approximately

. . .read more

Are Service Dogs Too Distracting in a School Environment?

Updated
|
Are Service Dogs Too Distracting in a School Environment?
Students with disabilities may require the assistance of a service dog, but how might the presence of a dog in the classroom affect other students? Could it be too distracting?

There is a special bond between children and their dogs but, for some children, a dog is more than just a best friend – he is an assistant for everyday tasks. Children with certain diseases and disabilities sometimes need the help of a service dog just to get through their day. The service dog accompanies them everywhere they go – even to school. While a service dog may be a necessity for the student he serves, it is possible he could become a distraction for other students. But where do you draw the line?

In today’s modern society, distractions are everywhere. Cell phones and tablets are being given to younger and younger children as society as a whole becomes progressively more reliant on technology. But what determines whether something is too distracting? When it comes to service dogs, there are some legitimate concerns regarding allergies and fears that some students may have, but are these concerns more legitimate than the student’s need for the service dog? Keep reading to learn more about this issue.

What Exactly Do Service Dogs Do?

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the definition of a service animal is, “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability”. Some of the tasks a service dog can perform might include pulling a wheelchair, picking up dropped items, reminding someone to take

. . .read more

The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools

Updated
|
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools
Tracking was once the standard of public education in the United States but today there is a great deal of controversy regarding its relevance. Consider the pros and cons of tracking to decide whether it might be a good option for your child.

The fact of the matter is that some students learn more quickly than others and some students need more individualized attention. In order to accommodate the differing needs of their students, many schools started to adopt a tracking system, separating students by academic ability into different groups for certain subjects or for all subjects. This type of program is sometimes called ability grouping (though these are technically two different things) and it is a hotly debated issue in public schools. Before you decide whether tracking might be a good option for your child, take a moment to learn what it is as well as the pros and cons of this type of system.

What is Tracking or Ability Grouping?

Also referred to as phasing or streaming, tracking is a system in which students are divided into classes based on their overall achievement. Students are ranked as being average, normal, or below average and they are divided into classes with students of the same achievement level. Tracking has been used in American public schools for nearly a century and it has changed and developed a great deal during that time. In the early years, tracking was a response to growing numbers of immigrant children coming into the public school system. The goal was to provide those children with an education that was catered to their limited understanding of the English language and their limited preparation, as compared to native students. What ended up happening, however, was a form of

. . .read more

Recent Articles

Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
From ensuring academic standards to assessing student readiness for college and career, readers will gain insights into the potential benefits of these exams. However, the article also delves into concerns such as increased stress on students, potential biases in testing, and the limitations of standardized assessments in capturing the full spectrum of student abilities. With a balanced perspective and expert analysis, this resource offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding public school exit exams, empowering them to engage in informed discussions and decision-making regarding education policy and practice.
All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
Discover how all-girl public high schools are making waves in education, fostering confidence and enhancing college success among young women. This article explores the unique benefits of single-gender education, from creating a supportive environment free from gender stereotypes to offering tailored academic programs that empower girls to excel. Learn how these schools cultivate leadership skills, academic achievement, and a strong sense of community, setting students on a path to thrive in college and beyond. With insights from educators and success stories from graduates, uncover the transformative impact of all-girl public high schools on female empowerment and educational attainment.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.

Public School Policies

A Relevant History of Public Education in the United States
A Relevant History of Public Education in the United States
Why Public Schools Across the Country are Closing Their Campuses
Why Public Schools Across the Country are Closing Their Campuses
Do Lotteries Really Benefit Public Schools?  The Answer is Hazy
Do Lotteries Really Benefit Public Schools? The Answer is Hazy
VOUCHERS
Explore both sides of the school voucher debate. Learn what your options are, how those choices are funded and the impact on your local school district. From the latest government initiatives to results from recent studies, explore vouchers and the options they provide.
Private School Vouchers: The Controversy
Private School Vouchers: The Controversy
Are Vouchers Destroying Public Schools?
Are Vouchers Destroying Public Schools?
Indiana School Voucher Program Changes the Scope of Public/Private School in the State
Indiana School Voucher Program Changes the Scope of Public/Private School in the State
SCHOOL CONTROVERSIES
The most controversial issues impacting public school students today. From bullying to book bans, this is a comprehensive look at some of the most oft-debated issues. This section features articles on school segregation, religion, over-crowding, civil rights, and green technology.
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
Smaller Class Sizes: Pros and Cons
Smaller Class Sizes: Pros and Cons
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools