Kevin, public schools are suffering mainly because of the "system". I'll try and make this as brief as possible.
Whenever you create a system which is disconnected to the customers and end users, the system will move toward the "path of least resistance". Whenever someone desires to understand the behavior of people in a system. The first thing to examine is the reward mechanism. Because, "people do what you reward them for doing".
Having said that, let's look at how the NEA, teachers, principals and administrators are rewarded in public education. Are they rewarded for outstanding student performance? Perhaps, for some in an intrinsic way. Others, absolutely not. Are they rewarded for responding in real ways to the parents, or student needs? Again, not really. So, how are they rewarded?
The system of rewards in public education is tied to the funding source. The funding source is linked to political special interests. Therefore, those who are politically motivated, and or politically connected, get ahead, and get rewarded. People in the system take the "path of least resistance", (if they decide to remain), and align themselves with the reward system.
Vouchers (although not a panacea), change this linkage. Vouchers align the system of education toward the real customers, the parents and students, where it should have always remained. They control the funding, so they are much more likely to have their needs met. Think about this carefully Kevin, and I am sure you'll agree. The delivery of knowledge through our education system works just like a business works. Whenever a business loses touch with the end users, and forgets who their true customers are, quality steadily deteriorates.
That is why vouchers make sense. Vouchers empower the true customers. Not the bureaucrats, politicians and special interests.
It won't be a panacea, and it must be done in conjunction with leaders who understand the concepts of meeting customer needs as well as continuous improvement. But it can be done, every American car company has already proven that. With sustained effort, and focused leadership built around a system which encourages the right king of behavior. Our public education system can be the envy of the world again.
Without vouchers, or a similar system which empowers the end users, any effort at reform which does not get to the root cause of the problem "structure", is a waste of time.
Michael |
