However, if the government adopted a system of vouchers, the economically deprived wouldn't be in this situation. Bob is not alone; he is one of the millions upon millions of poor families in America. Many of these families could use a better education.
During Bob's time in school he's witnessed approximately 100 fights, 3 teachers being assaulted by students and numerous drug and weapons arrests. Many of these acts were merely boyish fights and left no lasting impression. One incident that has scarred him for life was when a student came to school with a five-inch knife and proceeded to stab an administrator in front of approximately seventy students. The victim recovered fully and the perpetrator, who at the time was fifteen, is now in jail. Is this the atmosphere that children should be placed in to receive the fundamental elements of education that will prepare them for high school and eventually college?.
There is enough concern about the quality of education in public schools that many private schools have been bombarded with applications in recent years. The problems facing many public schools are non-existent at most private schools. They have no need to institute security measures because discipline is not a problem. Students know that the school board can expel anyone that hinders learning in the classroom. Disruptive and violent actions are taken seriously and are not tolerated under any circumstance.
Private schools across the nation have fewer disciplinary problems than public schools because they can be selective in whom they choose to accept into there institute. Those who apply truly want to learn and are willing to spend thousands of dollars a year to ensure that they receive the best education possible. With that money they don't expect to have to fear for their safety, or fear that they will not learn anything in class because one person is disruptive.
Choice-based reforms, such as vouchers and charter schools, depend on the idea that schools will have to satisfy parents to keep their customers.
