Business model, schools don’t mix

I have long said the business model cannot work in schools, especially when the current reform format is in place [March 17 Guy Viewpoint]. I will add:

1. A business exists to make money; schools are not designed to make money.

2. Businesses are very selective about who they interview and hire and even have performance/experience requirements to limit who even applies for a position. Traditional public schools cannot do this, by law. However, voucher and charter schools actually can and are doing this.

3. Businesses can set the standards for employees and can fire them if they do not meet those standards. Politicians have set standards for student achievement, but schools cannot “fire” the poor performers. Again though, voucher and charter schools can do so, and actually do have performance and behavior contracts that students and parents must adhere to in order to remain in the school—something else traditional public schools cannot do, by law.

It is nice to see support in publications that can reach those who typically support such “reforms.”
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Mark Nash, teacher,
East Allen County Schools