...
> Let's say the average class size is publik skools is 30 students....
> 
> so $8400 * 30 = 252,000 per year to educate one class.
> 
> Now private schools have a higher standard, let's say they 
> only want a max of 15 students per class, so the teacher can 
> focus more attention per student..
> 
> 14,000 * 12 =210,000 per year to educate one class.
> 
> Now for the math question, which teacher do you think earns 
> more.  The publik school teacher or the private school 
> teacher?  (Please let's not get into pensions and benefits.)

I can't speak for areas outside of NorCal, but, in general private
school teachers are paid LESS than public teachers based on similar
credentials, # of years, courses taught, etc.

The reason, I believe, is because the private school teachers basically
have an easier job. Students in private schools can be much more easily
expelled, disciplined, etc. Also, it is more likely that the parents
really don't want their kid expelled (many private schools in our area
have waiting lists), so I think there is a lot of pressure for the kids
in private schools to behave better.

My wife was a full-time teacher and is now often used as a substitute
teacher in our local public school (both elementary and middle school
grades). Aside from the extra grief subs sometimes get, she spends a
considerable amount of time dealing with students who really don't want
to learn, and prefer socializing over listening or discussing the
topics. Threats of going to the Principal don't seem to deter the worst
offenders.  The time wasted warning them, writing the notes, sending
them on their way, etc. is significant.  Most of the classes are 50
minutes long and if 10 minutes are wasted dealing with trouble-makers
you end up wasting 36+ hours per class per school year.  I think this is
why private schools are increasing in popularity.

But, public schools, by law, must accept all students in their district
within certain age limits. Private school don't.  Even if you send your
kids to private schools, and even if they are better by certain
measures, I think it is incumbent on us to make our public school
successful.  The consequences of failing to do this seem enormously
negative to me. 

BTW, I do not support the notion, which our governor and many others
espouse, that all students should go on to college.  I prefer the system
which they have (or had) in France and other European countries, where
at some point in "high school" you get yourself on a university track or
on a "professional/trade" track. There does not seem to be "shame" in
being a plumber, electrician, auto repair person, small business owner,
etc. Their system seems to better prepare the students who do not go to
college to be successful right after they graduate from HS. 

I don't think the US (or at least Calif) public education system does
this very well. We seem to have so many HS graduates going to college
only to find out they have to take bone-head English, review math,
review foreign language, etc.  Our colleges should not be burdened
teaching the incoming freshman class subjects they were supposed to
learn in HS.... College is optional, HS is required.

I guess I agree that we need some serious education reform in this
country (or at least in Calif), but I disagree that private schools are
the solution.

 Jeff

* To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
* etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *