This is Jennifer Gonzales welcoming you to episode 2 28 of the cult of pedagogy podcast in this episode. We're going to talk about the school choice movement

How it started where it is now and how it impacts education for everyone. At first glance, the notion of school choice is a no-brainer.

Obviously, a parent should be allowed to choose the best school for their child.

The appeal of this idea can be backed up with data.

A 2023 poll asked this question.

School choice gives parents the right to use the tax dollars designated for their child's education to send their child to the public or private school which best serves their needs.

Generally speaking, would you say you support or oppose the concept of school choice?

Over 70% of the registered voters who responded from both major political parties answered that they supported school choice.

But notice the wording of the question.

Generally speaking, it says, the concept of school choice it says. The concept of school choice it says. That's important because when it's

put that way who could argue with it. Why would anyone say they opposed it?

Every parent wants their child to have the best education they can

get, right? Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Educating a group of children requires well-trained

teachers, a robust collection of academic materials,

expertise about differentiation and accommodations, a safe and well-equipped facility,

secure technology that's relatively up to date, reliable

transportation, healthy food, clean water, recreational and athletic space and equipment,

art and music supplies, a good clerical and administrative staff,

interpreters for dozens of languages, first aid supplies, behavior specialists, and so much more.

Acquiring and maintaining all of these things takes a lot of money,

management, and skill,

and putting it all together

...