Sep 13 2008
Funding Figures, Frightening?
Maralyn Parker’s education blog in the Daily Telegraph makes for interesting reading, sometimes.
I certainly don’t agree with all that is published but the thought provoking nature of the posts and comments gives the reader another insight.
This is however one observation on Marilyn’s profile that I do believe in passionately.
Only 2 per cent of the nation’s private schools are audited but they were given over $30 billion in the last federal budget- no questions asked. In no other industry in no other part of the world where public funds are involved would this be acceptable. If you read about it it happening anywhere else you would assume it was a junta rorting public coffers to benefit its own children. Perhaps that is what is happening in Australia – it certainly feels like it.
I also responded to Tomaz’s recent cathartic post, with a more fullsome explanation of my views on this issue. Gillard also wants all schools to fully disclose their income streams.
Maralyn also blogged recently about
- NAPLAN results, (yawn, more pointless political testing being passed off as meaningful learning, look for Greg Whitby’s comment within this article)
- When it comes to spending on education – Average or Below Average – that’s us. Primary school funding well below OECD averages.
- Is seven a lucky number? Verity Firth, see if she can stop the rot. Someone has to.
- Stop-gap does not Measure up. Teaching should not be seen as a charitable act.
- Don’t Bring Your Bad Manners to School What do you think of the list? Are you a teacher who is fed up?
Please share your thoughts on Maralyn’s blog and add to the education debate.
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Hi Tony
Gotta be said…good onya!
I would point you and fellow readers of Sliced Bread (a fine publication it is) to the blog of one of my favourite contemporary philosophers Stephen Law, professor of philosophy & author of several books (eg War for Children’s Minds – highly recommended), who speaks very eloquently and succintly on the topic: http://stephenlaw.blogspot.com/search/label/ban%20private%20schools
While he writes in the context of the British system and takes a clear position on the issue, his dissection, building and rebuttal of arguments for/against private/public education and the funding issue is a must read for anyone remotely interested in the debate. You may not agree with him but it is well worth a read.
Oh, and a small favour. I posted a story about a fellow History teacher on http://human.edublogs.org/2008/09/12/ritas-story . I know it looks like shameless promotion here but could you please drop a line or two in comments to her story. I am simply trying to demonstrate the humanity of these new connections technology can afford and promote. Please do not feel obliged – many thanks.
Keep this blog best since _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ !
Tomaz Lasic
http://human.edublogs.org
PS. Your ‘fullsome’ explanation of views has been saved on my hard drive for posterity as a great example of a living, critical, passionate thinker. Cheers for that again