"Sen. Barack Obama does not mention the word “vouchers” in his educational plan. In the 15 pages he devotes to his “pre-K to grade 12” education plan, he mentions the word “school choice” only once -- in a subhead called “School-family contracts.” (Jones)
I watched the final debate. Obama states, "Where we disagree is on the idea that we can somehow give out vouchers -- give vouchers as a way of securing the problems in our education system. Vouchers do not solve the problem." (LA Times)
My understanding is that he does not approve or support the voucher system. I am taken aback because an overwhelmingly positive, productive and supportive school operates entirely on vouchers. The school is in Tampa, Florida, my city. The school is Academy Prep.
These students want to be there. Academy Prep is the most wonderful school I have ever visited. To say he does not support vouchers means that he does not support this school, ultimately taking it away. I would be devastated.
My entire semester project portrays advantageous aspects of vouchers. When I see light in a child’s eyes, the last thing I want is to take that away. I examined the school from a neutral standpoint and found myself in approval. I wish he would reevaluate his position on vouchers, or enlighten me on his negative views related.
I see the effort people put in to maintain the progressive spirit. Academy Prep students and staff are striving to make a positive difference, to the best of their abilities, every day.
Mr. Obama supports charter schools. I want to research charter schools in my area. I spoke with a girl that attends a Tampa charter school and she said she enjoys her classes, but the drive is too far. She attends because an art program is offered, her specialty.
I do not see the problem in having combination: public, private, charter, voucher, home. If the children are benefitting, no need to yank the school. The focus is needed on unsuccessful schools, not schools already striving. Let them strive. Help others strive too.
Sources:
Jones, Susan. "Palin: I Do Not Support the Voucher System." 1 Sept 2008. http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=34928
Los Angeles Times. "Top of the Ticket." 22 Oct 2008. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/10/debate-transcri.html
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1 comment:
Hey Amanda:
My name is Jon East, and I'm the communications director at the Florida School Choice Fund in Tampa. Academy Prep is one of the schools under our program, and I was curious about your semester project. Is that something you can share with me? You can email me at jeast@floridaschoolchoicefund.org or you could call me at 813-258-2700, ext. 232.
Thanks and good luck.
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