The difference between private and public schools is dramatic in many poor nations. Many public schools simply do not have enough teachers to educate the number of children enrolled (Learning Unleashed 3). About half these schools have a student teacher ratio of 50:1 (Learning Unleashed 3). There is also an acute problem with teacher absenteeism in public schools, as many teachers do not feel obligated to show up (Learning Unleashed 3).
Across the globe in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, private schools are flourishing as the public schools fail to deliver adequate education for poor children (For-profit education 1). There are many advantages that private schools have over public schools. Private schools provide potential outside investment opportunities, offer a better education than public schools, and are far more innovative in their programs and materials than state-run schools (For-profit education 3).
Do You Agree with Tooley and Dixon’s Contention?
There is ample research proving that private schools provide a much higher quality education than public schools and students in private schools. The result of many studies reveals that students in private school tested consistently better than students in public school (Tooley and Dixon 31).
In Nigeria, private schools are far outnumbering public schools (Low-cost private schools 1). These private schools offer tuition for as little as $35 USD per term (Low-cost private schools 1). It is clear that private school can offer students an education that public schools are either unable or unwilling to provide. Because private schools can provide a far better education for poor students, I agree with Tooley and Dixon that private schools are a viable alternative for poor children.
Works Cited
“For-profit education.” The Economist. 1 Aug. 2015. Web. 13 Feb. 2016.
“Low-cost private schools.” The Economist 1 Aug. 2015. Web. 13 Feb. 2016.
Tooley, James and Dixon, Pauline. Private Education Is Good for the Poor. Washington,
DC: Cato Institute, 2005. Print.
