No, I think those are fair points. And yes, the wording on progressive education is definitely one that in this climate can spark fierce responses from any angle.

I, personally, have been against school vouchers since the mainstream discussion really took off in the 90s. I whole heartedly back it when the local district can not adjusted provide for a child's needs (largely disabilities of all sorts) but I have had a problem with money being taken out of districts to go toward other schools based on parental choice alone. I have always just seen it as something that should be used for the NEEDS of a child, not the preference of the parent.

There is a lot of wiggle room allowed by the department of education among private and charter schools and while I understand fully privately funded schools, I do think it makes great education much more difficult for those who come from lower income access excellent education.

It isn't about the people running schools necessarily - I do believe the intentions are often well meaning. The problem, for me personally, is leaving kids whose parents do not have the means financially to pay for the school itself, or the transportation or boarding (when that is a factor).

All kids should have full and free access to excellent education, and the more private and charter schools that pop up, the families who are just getting by, or even just a little comfortably get by, have less access to quality education. That isn't the private institutions fault necessarily - but if public schools didn't essentially require their teachers to pay for supplies on their own, while offering salaries far below those at private - the quality of educator will inherently lower in there public sector.

We should have never allowed vouchers that weren't bad in need to begin with is my real issue - but if you are trying to f found a school that teaches truly thorough curriculum and is accessible to any child that wants to go, I wouldn't say it's the worst thing. I just think what the education system has become with not just the de-emphasis on public schooling, but also financially punishing schools that do not do as well on standardized tests. These are the places that need MORE funding, and instead the municipal/state/department of education takes money away from "failing schools". They have become a place of Calvinist indoctrination instead of true learning - and that I DO blame on alternative school options.

But reality is, there is no turning back. We already have irreparably fucked up the public school system so I guess all you can do is try to provide somewhere for any child to be taught how to learn and think critically, and not just rote memorization and how to follow orders.