Trends in Scores by Type of School

Trends in 4th Grade NAEP mathematics and reading average scores, by type of school:

Trend in Mathematics Scores

Trend in Reading Scores

The Differences in Public vs. Private Education

• Academic Reputation
  
• College Preparation
  
• School Size
  
• Class Size
  
• Safety Reputation
  
• Special Programs
  
• Costs
  
• Religious and Moral Instruction
  
• Location
  
• Ideology
  

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Public Schools Outperform Private Schools in Math Instruction

Education professors Sarah and Chris Lubienski have found that public-school students outperform their private-school classmates on standardized math tests, tanks to two key factors: certified math teachers, and a modern, reform-oriented math curriculum


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Public vs. Private Schools

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Frames: The frames found within this NY Times Editorial is one that completely disapproves of the state of education in the United States. The author of this editorial makes a great point in saying that, "Instead of homing in on teacher training and high standards, things that distinguish effective schools from poor ones, many reformers have embraced the view that the public schools are irreparably broken and that students of all kinds need to be given vouchers to attend private or religious schools at public expense" (2006). In stating this as so, the author is saying that the general public believes that private or religious schools are the answers to better education. He continues by stating that public schools are not doing a great job in educating the young minds of our country, with proof from the results of national standardized tests. These same tests, however, show not only public schools suffering academically, but "public, private, charter, and religious school all suffer from the wide fluctuations in quality and effectiveness." He believes the overarching problem in the United States to be, "on average, American schoolchildren are performing at mediocre levels in reading, math, and science- wherever they attend school."

What's Left Out: There is a statement made by a public-school teacher, however, there are no comments made by anyone from a private school. It would be more interesting to have heard arguments from both public and private schools as to what could be the problem for these mediocre performances. 

Ideologies: The main ideology touched upon in this editorial is that the educators, boards of education, and the government, are not doing their jobs correctly and effectively. The author strongly believes, and makes clear to readers, that people are missing the point entirely in thinking that private school is the answer to poor grades. This reflects the way our society thinks: that money has the potential to solve all problems. 

Are Private Schools Better Than Public Schools?

Frames: This youtube video is framed by people who support the ideology 

that public schools are just as good as private schools. The people who are

quoted in this article are professors of education, academic advisors, 

parents, and the students themselves. Contrary to popular belief that

private schools are more qualified in providing academic instruction, 

studies are showing that there is "no significant difference between how

well kids do given their socioeconomic backgrounds, their family

backgrounds in private schools and in public schools," as stated by

Martin Carnoy, professor of education. This particular study reports that

"success in school and later in life isn't a matter of public vs. private

school" (Carnoy, 2007). So then what does help kids to succeed? KCRA

reporter states, "When parents get involved in their child's education,

that's what helps kids the most" (2007). The frame depicted throughout

this video report encompass the belief that public schools are as able as

private schools in academically preparing students.

What's Left Out: The viewpoint coming from students, parents, and

teachers from private schools are not included in this report. It would

have been interesting to hear the opinions and comments of those who

attend private schools. We were able to hear a lot from those who go to

public schools, so it would have been nice to get the perspective of

someone attending private school.

Ideologies: A major ideology that permeates this video report is the belief

that money cannot buy a better education. Parents and teachers alike

voice their opinions during the report proving that paying lots of money

for their children to attend private schools does not necessarily mean

that it is better for them. This ideology is highly evident, especially within

our capitalistic society. People equate worth with monetary value, which

is not always the case. Another ideology those in this report hold is the

belief that public education is more liked by students, that it is less strict,

and therefore easier than the more challenging private schools.