There would be secular options (similar to public charter schools) - as well as cost sharing at the school level so that the quality of education and services would be equivalent.
Many students in the DC Catholic School system (many of whom are not Catholic) have a different experience - although the official treatment and the cruelty of other youngsters can be 2 different things.
There would have to be a standard setting body made up of all types of organization (from secular charter schools to Catholic Schools to private academies) who are accredited by the state and their regional accreditatization organization. Non-accredited schools and schools who do not teach to standard could not join or get funds.
Catholic Charities, for example, serves all regardless of sect. This would be strengthened for the education system. Also, the Catholic system is woefully inadequate for Vocational/Technical (at least in the US). This would have to be improved on a systemic basis - since 73% of students do not complete college.
Michael Bindner
Chick Hurst <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Chick Hurst <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I am curious, would you suggest that things such as education and social services should be allowed to be assumed by faith based organizations and that it would be a good thing?I would suggest that if we use the present faith based organizations as an example this concept could not be supported. This is not to say that all faith based organizations are not good; some are excellent but some are absolutely horrendous. If we use history as an example, the residential schools and their practices are a perfect reason why such a suggestion would be the worst.Having had experience of involvement in such organizations I have found that they are in a constant state of disorder because everyone seems to be bent on personal aggrandizement or survival and back stabbing and crucifixion are the norm and not the exception.In addition there are too many people who are not connected to religions of any fashion or to faiths that do not do education in a general sense. It is also a very expensive proposal because, just as an example, two kids living next door to each other, of different faiths, having to be picked up by different buses because they have to go to different school. There would also not be a consistency of quality or services so the end result would be inconsistent.Faith based organizations also not only allow for discrimination but push discrimination. An example; in 1979, while working for an organization that was helping the refugees from Vietnam, I and my family adopted a teenage mother, who was pregnant because of the result of pirate attacks on her boat, and her baby. She was Buddhist and a Catholic school, the closest, accepted her as a student. Because she would not convert she was not treated like any of the Catholic students so we were forced to move her to a public school.While working for the same organization I worked very closely with the religious social service organization as well and they were very discriminatory.I guess that is a little more than a question but, although I have not gone into great detail, how do you guarantee that these and the other inconsistencies are fairly dealt with. The other question is, if I am a student of the Tao, where would I go to school?Chick
