Monday, March 14, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A good start, but doesn't go far enough
A PA state senator wants random drug testing of those who receive taxpayer dollars.
Link here
Link here
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
More on vouchers ...
One thing to look for when you write an opinion piece - which arguments don't your opponents challenge. When your opponents can't find a good counter-critique on an issue, a neutral observer should feel pretty comfortable with it. Here are two points I made in my editorial that haven't been challenged in posted comments or emails I received:
1. That a voucher system will eliminate the need for mandatory testing.
Given all the negative comments on the No Child Left Behind Testing, it seems that even opponents of vouchers concede a well-designed voucher plan will save millions in administrative costs and millions of hours of educational time.
2. That our colleges/universities aren't the world's best while our primary/secondary schools are not the world's best.
Opponents of vouchers seem to have no explanation for this. I have a simple one: There is competition across colleges and universities but without vouchers there is not among K-12 schools. The intriguing issue is that competition among K-12 schools would be more fierce than colleges, since there are so many more K-12 schools in any given 20-mile radius.
I keep getting comments that indicate I must have a hidden agenda for school systems. I don't. I send my children to my local public school, and I attended public schools growing up too. I guess I am just pro-choice on this issue, while the left isn't. Kind of ironic ...
1. That a voucher system will eliminate the need for mandatory testing.
Given all the negative comments on the No Child Left Behind Testing, it seems that even opponents of vouchers concede a well-designed voucher plan will save millions in administrative costs and millions of hours of educational time.
2. That our colleges/universities aren't the world's best while our primary/secondary schools are not the world's best.
Opponents of vouchers seem to have no explanation for this. I have a simple one: There is competition across colleges and universities but without vouchers there is not among K-12 schools. The intriguing issue is that competition among K-12 schools would be more fierce than colleges, since there are so many more K-12 schools in any given 20-mile radius.
I keep getting comments that indicate I must have a hidden agenda for school systems. I don't. I send my children to my local public school, and I attended public schools growing up too. I guess I am just pro-choice on this issue, while the left isn't. Kind of ironic ...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Criticisms on my vouchers article with my responses
I have received a couple emails on my op ed on vouchers and also read through some of the comments on the Patriot News website. I would like to address some of the comments. I will address some now and some later this week.
1. Do your kids go to private schools? (Actually, one reader asked: "Do your children go to parochial school, for instance? Are you Catholic or do you have strong evangelical leanings that made the prayer angle so prominent?")
Two emailers have asked if I have a hidden agenda . No, my kids go to the Selinsgrove Area School District. My wife and I are happy with our district. However, there are many districts near us where I may feel different if we had to send our kids there. I go go to the local Methodist church, whatever that may be worth to my skeptics. I don't see why parent's preferences would be so irrelevant to the skeptics, however.
2. Your writing was very general and there was no new analysis. Did the Patriot News edit your editorial?
No. Any shortcomings in writing style are my own. I had about 600 words, so I tried to lay out the general arguments economists might make for vouchers. Many books have been written on the topic, so I thought it unwise to attempt to jam in anything more than a few general arguments in my article.'p[]
3. Can you actually name any economic or measurable benefit to vouchers?
Opponents of vouchers seem to think a parent's preference doesn't count. Imagine a country where the only pants are Levi's jeans. If, suddenly, khaki's are invented, there might be no measurable output that one could point to that shows an increase in output, educational attainment, etc. However, if some people are happier wearing khaki's, then there are economic benefits! Economists refer to a person's happiness as utility, and if they prefer one school over another, there would be increased utility. This is certainly an economic benefit.
While almost every public administrator will say that test scores shouldn't maintain such a focus in today's school system - it is odd that so many would want to point to test scores as proof that a private school does better/worse than a public school. I am not sure whether test scores would increase under a voucher system - only time would tell. But the quality of schooling, based on the parents perspective, would be better.
Further, under a voucher system, however, some schools could choose different tactics to keep costs down or improve quality that public schools are not attempting. What, exactly, are these tactics? Well, frankly, I have no idea! Ten years ago, though, I would have had no idea how a 40+ inch HDTV could sell for under $600, how we could have higher-quality cars for lower prices, or how I could have received internet access on my phone. These new inventions were created by real market competition, something that is missing in our K-12 school systems.
I will write more on a couple other questions: with the most interesting one involving the costs of vouchers to public schools. I will also point out which parts of my article seemed to get no criticism, which I take as points on which the opposition agrees (or can't find a good counterargument).
1. Do your kids go to private schools? (Actually, one reader asked: "Do your children go to parochial school, for instance? Are you Catholic or do you have strong evangelical leanings that made the prayer angle so prominent?")
Two emailers have asked if I have a hidden agenda . No, my kids go to the Selinsgrove Area School District. My wife and I are happy with our district. However, there are many districts near us where I may feel different if we had to send our kids there. I go go to the local Methodist church, whatever that may be worth to my skeptics. I don't see why parent's preferences would be so irrelevant to the skeptics, however.
2. Your writing was very general and there was no new analysis. Did the Patriot News edit your editorial?
No. Any shortcomings in writing style are my own. I had about 600 words, so I tried to lay out the general arguments economists might make for vouchers. Many books have been written on the topic, so I thought it unwise to attempt to jam in anything more than a few general arguments in my article.'p[]
3. Can you actually name any economic or measurable benefit to vouchers?
Opponents of vouchers seem to think a parent's preference doesn't count. Imagine a country where the only pants are Levi's jeans. If, suddenly, khaki's are invented, there might be no measurable output that one could point to that shows an increase in output, educational attainment, etc. However, if some people are happier wearing khaki's, then there are economic benefits! Economists refer to a person's happiness as utility, and if they prefer one school over another, there would be increased utility. This is certainly an economic benefit.
While almost every public administrator will say that test scores shouldn't maintain such a focus in today's school system - it is odd that so many would want to point to test scores as proof that a private school does better/worse than a public school. I am not sure whether test scores would increase under a voucher system - only time would tell. But the quality of schooling, based on the parents perspective, would be better.
Further, under a voucher system, however, some schools could choose different tactics to keep costs down or improve quality that public schools are not attempting. What, exactly, are these tactics? Well, frankly, I have no idea! Ten years ago, though, I would have had no idea how a 40+ inch HDTV could sell for under $600, how we could have higher-quality cars for lower prices, or how I could have received internet access on my phone. These new inventions were created by real market competition, something that is missing in our K-12 school systems.
I will write more on a couple other questions: with the most interesting one involving the costs of vouchers to public schools. I will also point out which parts of my article seemed to get no criticism, which I take as points on which the opposition agrees (or can't find a good counterargument).
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
My op ed ran in the Harrisburg Patriot News
Here is the link
Other than the title, it is the same as before. I received a ten paragraph (yes, ten) email criticizing the article yesterday. I will post some of the comments along with my responses over the next couple of days.
Other than the title, it is the same as before. I received a ten paragraph (yes, ten) email criticizing the article yesterday. I will post some of the comments along with my responses over the next couple of days.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Op Ed - School Vouchers
This was in The Daily Item on January 26, 2011.
Many political leaders have recently proposed using public money to give “vouchers” to parents who wish to send their children to public schools. Both parties have their proponents, as Democrat Gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hardy Williams, along with Republican Tom Corbett both expressed some support for a voucher system. While there are different ways a voucher program could be implemented, the general idea is that parents would receive a voucher that would either completely or partially offset the costs of sending children to a private school. Many economists, both those who are educators (like me) and those who are not, are among the most ardent supporters of voucher programs. To see why, let’s examine both the benefits and costs of a voucher system.
Benefits of a Voucher System
Under a voucher system, we would expect more private schools to emerge to help offset the increased demand for private education. This competition across schools and parents’ ability to choose their children’s school will force schools to maintain high quality teaching and keep unnecessary costs low.
Another benefit of a voucher system is that currently controversial issues no longer become controversial – like whether to allow prayer in school and mandatory school testing. Some families want prayer in school, while others do not. As a voucher system becomes more widespread, this won’t be a concern anymore. If you want your child to pray every day before classes, you can send him or her to a school that implements prayer. If you do not – you can choose that option.
Every critic of the testing involved in the No Child Left Behind law should consider supporting voucher plans, as government-imposed school testing could be abolished if a voucher system is enacted. The current rationale for mandatory testing is that schools need to be accountable for their performance. Under a voucher system, schools would be much more accountable. Parents can remove their kids from one school and send them elsewhere at any point. If parents demand a school uses mandatory testing, they could, or the school could prove their worth to parents in other ways.
Costs of a Voucher System – Perceived and Actual
One commonly cited drawback by opponents of voucher plans is that vouchers would violate the separation of church and state. In fact, a well-designed voucher plan would do the opposite. The current plan is forcing all parents into a “one-size-fits-all” type of school. If you think it is wrong that your tax dollars go to a school that holds no organized prayers – you have no recourse. You either pay double by sending your child to a private school or you accept the government’s restrictions. Under a voucher plan, however, parents could choose whether to send their child to a school that requires prayer or not – and could choose a school for their particular religion, whether Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. The government in no way would be promoting one religion over another under a voucher plan.
The costs of voucher plans are a more reasonable objection. In the shorter-term, when transitioning away from the state-controlled school system, there would likely be an increase in costs. However, these transitional costs should start to disappear over time and eventually a voucher system should cost less once a full market system is up-and-running.
Let the Market System Work for Education
Colleges and Universities in the United States are the envy of the world, while primary and secondary schools are not. One likely reason is that there is real market competition across colleges and universities for students, but not for grades K-12. By allowing a voucher system, parents could expect greater quality education for lower costs. Also, parents will have more input on the values it wants the schools to (help) teach their children. It won’t be an instant fix for all of our education problems, but implementing a voucher system is a step in the right direction.
The author is an associate professor of economics at Susquehanna University. The views here do not necessarily represent those of Susquehanna University.
An Economist’s View of School Choice Funding
Matthew C. Rousu
Many political leaders have recently proposed using public money to give “vouchers” to parents who wish to send their children to public schools. Both parties have their proponents, as Democrat Gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hardy Williams, along with Republican Tom Corbett both expressed some support for a voucher system. While there are different ways a voucher program could be implemented, the general idea is that parents would receive a voucher that would either completely or partially offset the costs of sending children to a private school. Many economists, both those who are educators (like me) and those who are not, are among the most ardent supporters of voucher programs. To see why, let’s examine both the benefits and costs of a voucher system.
Benefits of a Voucher System
Under a voucher system, we would expect more private schools to emerge to help offset the increased demand for private education. This competition across schools and parents’ ability to choose their children’s school will force schools to maintain high quality teaching and keep unnecessary costs low.
Another benefit of a voucher system is that currently controversial issues no longer become controversial – like whether to allow prayer in school and mandatory school testing. Some families want prayer in school, while others do not. As a voucher system becomes more widespread, this won’t be a concern anymore. If you want your child to pray every day before classes, you can send him or her to a school that implements prayer. If you do not – you can choose that option.
Every critic of the testing involved in the No Child Left Behind law should consider supporting voucher plans, as government-imposed school testing could be abolished if a voucher system is enacted. The current rationale for mandatory testing is that schools need to be accountable for their performance. Under a voucher system, schools would be much more accountable. Parents can remove their kids from one school and send them elsewhere at any point. If parents demand a school uses mandatory testing, they could, or the school could prove their worth to parents in other ways.
Costs of a Voucher System – Perceived and Actual
One commonly cited drawback by opponents of voucher plans is that vouchers would violate the separation of church and state. In fact, a well-designed voucher plan would do the opposite. The current plan is forcing all parents into a “one-size-fits-all” type of school. If you think it is wrong that your tax dollars go to a school that holds no organized prayers – you have no recourse. You either pay double by sending your child to a private school or you accept the government’s restrictions. Under a voucher plan, however, parents could choose whether to send their child to a school that requires prayer or not – and could choose a school for their particular religion, whether Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. The government in no way would be promoting one religion over another under a voucher plan.
The costs of voucher plans are a more reasonable objection. In the shorter-term, when transitioning away from the state-controlled school system, there would likely be an increase in costs. However, these transitional costs should start to disappear over time and eventually a voucher system should cost less once a full market system is up-and-running.
Let the Market System Work for Education
Colleges and Universities in the United States are the envy of the world, while primary and secondary schools are not. One likely reason is that there is real market competition across colleges and universities for students, but not for grades K-12. By allowing a voucher system, parents could expect greater quality education for lower costs. Also, parents will have more input on the values it wants the schools to (help) teach their children. It won’t be an instant fix for all of our education problems, but implementing a voucher system is a step in the right direction.
The author is an associate professor of economics at Susquehanna University. The views here do not necessarily represent those of Susquehanna University.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Final reading list for Political Economic Thought
This semester I am teaching Political Economic Thought, where we study writings on the economic from people from multiple ideological perspectives.
Here is the reading list.
Cowen, Tyler. “Discover Your Inner Economist: Use Incentives to Fall in Love, Survive Your Next Meeting, and Motivate Your Dentist.” Dutton Adult. 2007.
Friedman, Milton. “Capitalism and Freedom, Fortieth Anniversary Version.” The University of Chicago Press. 2002.
Krugman, Paul. “The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008.” W.W. Norton & Company Inc. 2009.
Marx, Karl and Friedrich Engles. “The Communist Manifesto.” Signet Classic. 1998.
Powell, Jim. “FDR’s Folly: How Roosevelt and His New Deal Prolonged the Great Depression.” Three Rivers Press. 2003.
Sowell, Thomas. “The Quest for Cosmic Justice.” Simon & Schuster. 1999.
Sowell, Thomas. “The Housing Boom and Bust.” Simon & Schuster. 2009.
Stiglitz, Joseph E. “Freefall: American, Free Markets, and the Sinking of the World Economy.” W.W. Norton. 2010.
Thaler, Richard H. and Cass R. Sunstein. “Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Revised and Expanded Edition.” Penguin Books. 2009.
As we move through the semester, I may post comments on each book after we finish the class discussions.
Here is the reading list.
Cowen, Tyler. “Discover Your Inner Economist: Use Incentives to Fall in Love, Survive Your Next Meeting, and Motivate Your Dentist.” Dutton Adult. 2007.
Friedman, Milton. “Capitalism and Freedom, Fortieth Anniversary Version.” The University of Chicago Press. 2002.
Krugman, Paul. “The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008.” W.W. Norton & Company Inc. 2009.
Marx, Karl and Friedrich Engles. “The Communist Manifesto.” Signet Classic. 1998.
Powell, Jim. “FDR’s Folly: How Roosevelt and His New Deal Prolonged the Great Depression.” Three Rivers Press. 2003.
Sowell, Thomas. “The Quest for Cosmic Justice.” Simon & Schuster. 1999.
Sowell, Thomas. “The Housing Boom and Bust.” Simon & Schuster. 2009.
Stiglitz, Joseph E. “Freefall: American, Free Markets, and the Sinking of the World Economy.” W.W. Norton. 2010.
Thaler, Richard H. and Cass R. Sunstein. “Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Revised and Expanded Edition.” Penguin Books. 2009.
As we move through the semester, I may post comments on each book after we finish the class discussions.
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