Hudson and Fournier: Catholic Countdown to Election 2012. True Educational Reform Passes Through School Choice

By Deal W Hudson and Keith A Fournier
10/31/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

On this fifth day before the election we address another public policy position where the two candidates have profoundly divergent views - the path to educational reform

The current approach to education is failing miserably and our children are suffering. Statistics and experience confirm the obvious. It is time for a change and school choice is that change. It means affirming again, as a matter of public policy and legislation, that Parents are the ones who should be able to make the choice of how to best extend their own teaching mission outside of the home for their children.

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WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic online) - We are five days away from what we claim is one of the most important Presidential elections in US History. We have tried to help fellow Catholic citizens understand their vital role in shaping the future of this Nation we love through exercising their faithful citizenship.

We have exposed the errant positions of some Catholics in public life and said, without hesitation, that one simply cannot be a faithful Catholic and hold what is euphemistically called a "pro-choice" position on abortion - or fail to defend true marriage and the family and society founded upon it.

We have discussed the difference between non-negotiable matters which concern intrinsic evils - and those areas which allow for the exercise of prudential jugment. Given their numbers, U.S. Catholics can determine the outcome of this election.

That requires us to act in a manner which is, to use words of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, "morally coherent". That phrase was used in an instruction released in 2002 entitled a "Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life".

On this fifth day before the election we address another public policy position where the two candidates have profoundly divergent views - the path to educational reform. The current overly federalized approach to the provision of education in the United States is failing miserably and our children are suffering.

Statistics and experience confirm the obvious. It is time for a change and school choice is that change. It means affirming again, as a matter of public policy and legislation, that Parents are the ones who should be able to make the choice of how to best extend their own teaching mission outside of the home for their children.

On May 23, 3012, Mitt Romney outlined his educational policy in a speech he gave in Washington, DC to the Latino Coalition. The speech was based upon a larger policy statement contained in a white paper which explains the reforms entitled "A Chance for Every Child" which can be read in its entirety here.

Romney told the leaders "I'll be blunt, I don't like the direction of American education and, as president, I will do everything in my power to get education on track for the kids in this great land." He said bluntly that many students in the United States receive a "third world education" and that "minority children suffer the most."

"Too many of our kids are trapped in schools that are failing or simply don't meet their needs. And for too long, we've merely talked about the virtues of school choice. As President, I will give the parents of every low-income and special needs student the chance to choose where their child goes to school."

"For the first time in history, federal education funds will be linked to a student, so that parents can send their child to any public or charter school, or to a private school, where permitted. And I will make that choice meaningful by ensuring there are sufficient options to exercise it."

President Obama has not endorsed school choice. Though he reversed his earlier position opposing the Opportunity Scholarship program in Washington, DC, he has proposed an increased role for the Federal government as the path to educational reform. We disagree.

Those who oppose school choice, such as the President and some leaders of the teachers union, call it an effort to "privatize" education. In fact, it is an effort to "Parentize" education. It affirms that that the family is the first school and first government. It insists that parents should make the choices concerning the education of their children outside of the first school of the home.

Those who support school choice call for enabling legislation which makes it possible for all parents, no matter what their socio-economic situation, to choose where to send their children to school. This choice would be available from among a full array of options including public, private, parochial, virtual, charter and home schools.

This can be accomplished in a constitutionally sound way by empowering parents to make this vital choice through properly drafted legislation, tax credits, or opportunity scholarships. Governor Romneys position on education follows the child and is made by the parents and not the Federal Government.

Those who oppose school choice, including President Obama, resort to scare tactics in their opposition. They argue that it will detrimentally ...

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1 - 7 of 7 Comments

Back Packer
6 months ago
The United States was founded, formed and grew to international prominence with virtually no government involvement in schooling. Before the advent of government-controlled schools, literacy was high (91-97% in the North, 81% in the South), private and community schools proliferated. For the first 150 years of America's settlement and the first 50 to 75 years of the nation's existence, government schooling as it is known today did not exist. Early America was arguably the freest civil society that has ever existed.
This freedom extended to education, which meant that parents were responsible for, and had complete control of, their children's schooling. There were no accrediting agencies, no regulatory boards, and no teacher certification requirements. Parents could choose whatever kind of school or education they wanted for their children.
In Pennsylvania since 2000, enrollment has declined by 26,960 while schools have hired 32,937 more staff members. Most of these new employees pay dues to the PSEA labor union, which runs one of the largest political action committees in the state and heavily funds political campaigns.
Pennsylvania's education spending increased from $4 billion in 1980 to over $25 billion in 2009 - a 133% increase in per-pupil spending, from $6,171 to $14,420 (in 2010 dollars).
If you choose to control your own child’s education (like the first Americans) and incorporate God into education you forfeit nearly $15,000 every year (Approx $180,000 per child over 12 years before compounding interest).
Can government schools teach why abortion is wrong? Is it any wander we have a population who does not understand?
Can it get worse?
In Ontario’s Roman Catholic schools are no longer allowed to teach that abortion is wrong. For the whole story see: http://patriactionary.wordpress.com/2012/10/14/ontarios-roman-catholic-schools-no-longer-allowed-to-teach-that-abortion-is-wrong/
Is true school Choice the answer? Why can’t parents take their $15,000 per year to the school they choose? Can education compete like it did in the beginning? Education benefits all of society particularly when morality is allowed to be part of it. The schools can accept all comers if they want government $ (otherwise they can do without government $). This may be the single most important issue underlying all of society’s problems. Only the rich can afford education that they choose. Is our society losing it’s roots?
Tom McGuire
6 months ago
Congratulations! Finally a new issue for the election other than abortion, same sex marriage, and birth control.

Yes, as Gravissimum Educationis makes very clear education is the primary responsibility of the parents. It also makes clear that the State has a essential role to play, that includes the Federal Government.

"In addition it is the task of the state to see to it that all citizens are able to come to a suitable share in culture and are properly prepared to exercise their civic duties and rights. Therefore the state must protect the right of children to an adequate school education, check on the ability of teachers and the excellence of their training, look after the health of the pupils and in general, promote the whole school project. But it must always keep in mind the principle of subsidiarity so that there is no kind of school monopoly, for this is opposed to the native rights of the human person, to the development and spread of culture, to the peaceful association of citizens and to the pluralism that exists today in ever so many societies."

From what I have learned in the more sensible political discussions this election season, both candidates have very similar positions on education. Yes, there is a difference on schools of choice. As one who taught in a Catholic School in a very poor urban neighborhood, I am aware of the dire condition of educational choices for poor people. Yes to parental responsibility but how is this to be realized in a poor urban environment?

1. In the community where I taught, if parents wanted to send their children to an excellent school, how were they to do it? The excellent school was miles from home.

2. The charter school that was near home, had as a priority profit for the managers of the school and not the children, what were the choices?

3. What about the education that takes place in the home and the environment? Many children came to school hungry, victims of abuse, deprived of love, exposed to the worst of human experience, these children needed more than just good teachers.

4. What about the Catholic Church? The Catholic school I taught in provided an excellent education for local children; many of my students went on to university and received degrees. However, since the Catholic Church priorities were not to help children in the poor urban areas, but to build new schools in upper middle class white neighborhoods. The school I taught in was closed for lack of funds. I maintain that if the local Catholic Church had a mission to educate those in most need, schools providing excellent education would not be closed. They would remain open not with government vouchers, but with funds from people committed to the mission of educating children.
Eli
6 months ago
First, by making decisions without the consent of Congress (an example is the HHS mandate) proves this administration has no respect for democracy. Our country will continue to fail if we don't regain our values as a country under God, of the people, for the people by the people. Maybe the time has come to stop wasting collected funds, our tax dollars, to support a federal government apathetic to our needs. Second. the majority of children in this country lack an education in moral values. They obviously are not being taught how babies are made! Young girls are raped and impregnated so schools encourage "safe sex", even handout contraceptives without parental consent! "Operation Restore Hope" is a Christian, home-school/child care run by Christians who have given priority to Christian education. Children no longer have to attend a threatening, over-crowded environment and they learn and live by God's laws.
mathew Thankachen O.Praem
6 months ago
The basic principle of Democrats, as I understand it is the 'primacy of the will of the people". I am surprised to know that when such a serious " human and moral isssue" of " abortion, LGBT etc, the Democrats upholds the " liberty of individual citizen" and the role of the government is defined to " protect" the interst of the citizens. however, when it comes in the filed of education, the freedom of the parents are limited to give quality education totheri children. such doub;le standard in the use of 'liberty' may not be enshrined in the Constitution. Hence, as the very word ' Democrats' stands, the power ofthe people to make right choice are to be respected by the gpovernmemnt who is elected for the same. As a matter of fact, the choice of parents to select the educatiional institutions and caree of theri children should, in my opinion be left to the parents.

Mathew Thankachen O.Praem.
DarthJ
6 months ago
Virgil Goode 2012 for a return of the school system to the local communities!
Bill Sr.
6 months ago
You only have to look at how the administration and the progressives who run the Democratic party (and are doing their best to infiltrate the Republicans) view human relationships to understand why and how our society is in shambles today.
There is hardly any human condition for which there is not an over bloated fraud ridden virtual money pit governmental solution coming out of Washington either through legislation or edict perpetrated by the career minded ruling class who have assumed the mantel of benevolent masters of a nomadic entitlement seeking citizenry.
There is plenty more but we can start with the CHILDREN.
There are government schools in every community which have a curriculum set up to teach what every growing child should know. These include but are not limited to, How to sing Obama Um, Um, Um, how it’s possible to have two moms or dads and not just one of each, and why it is ok if moms like women best or dads like men best. As they mature they are taught the various ways they or adults can show affection for each other male or female, the dangers of sex with the opposite sex and how to apply a free government supply of condoms to protect against the main danger, what government assistance is available to them if sex gets them sick, and most importantly if they, god forbid, should be punished (the presidents word not mine) by being pregnant the government well funded Planned Parenthood is just around the corner to get rid of your problem child. Now you can graduate with honors (and with a little help from the public school administration that has covered for your inaptitude in order to preserve their funding) try to find a job in a jobless market. But if you can’t find one the government will foot the bill for you at the nearest fun and games college of your choice IF you promise to go to work for the wonderful government that gave you all the blessings of a godless anti-voucher budget busting unionized LIBERAL education.
Every lockstep Democrat in congress has to admit this is all true and they are the architects of it. AND it is not only available to every American citizen but also the illegal aliens within our wide open borders which the Obama DOJ refuses to protect and won’t allow the states to police.
Case Closed
Joseph Tran
6 months ago
Houdson &Founier
Great! We can see it now. Both are choices. Both are directive of the parties.
I may say one is dunky choice and one is elephan choice.
what is your choice as citizen of great America?

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