School choice: We can’t help the poor by helping only them
Opponents of school choice measures such as vouchers or tax-credit scholarships love to do a little two-step.
First, they insist choice measures be limited only to low-income families — for the sake of being “fair.” Then, they note the tuition charged by existing private schools and say these families couldn’t possibly make up the difference between those prices and the value of the voucher or scholarship, and thus we might as well scrap the choice measures.
With that, they sit back and fold their arms, confident they’ve done something other than prove the basic laws of economics apply to education.
Before we burst their bubble, let’s take a step back.
The goal of anyone interested in education should be to see that all children attend quality schools. Right?
In a triumph of hope over experience, choice opponents think this can be accomplished through existing public schools alone. If only we spend more and more (and more) money on them.
The rest of us understand the public schools need more competition. More competition would not only mean new, better options for families. It would compel public schools to improve themselves, too.
That is, after all, the way the world works. Consider an example: digital cameras.
Economist Mark J. Perry last year observed that, in 2000, Nikon’s popular CoolPix camera was a 3-megapixel camera that cost $1,337 (adjusted for inflation). By 2012, the CoolPix was a 16.1-megapixel gadget that retailed for $197.
So, in 12 years the camera became more than five times more powerful even though it sold at less than a sixth of the price.
What drove those changes? Technological innovation, of course, but also competition. In fact, competition spurred the innovation: Had Nikon enjoyed a government-enforced market share of more than 90 percent, we hardly could have expected its camera to undergo such substantial increases in quality or decreases in price, much less both.
We shouldn’t expect to see competition change education quite that dramatically, though there is great untapped potential for schools to use technology. But neither can we expect education to improve at more than a modest rate so long as public schools face little competition.
That brings us back to means-testing for school-choice measures, and those basic laws of economics.
In case it’s been a while since you took Econ 101: When demand rises, supply increases to meet it. All else being equal, this tends to drive prices down over time.
It is precisely because demand for educational alternatives is artificially depressed, by the existence of “free” public schools, that their supply remains so restricted and their prices so high.
If we continue to limit school choice measures via income thresholds, or most any other restriction, we will simply ensure demand remains low. That’s a sure-fire way to keep supply low, too, and prevent the robust competition needed to boost the quality of all schools.
And that, in turn, will keep tuition prices from falling to the point even those families that do qualify for a voucher or tax-credit scholarship can afford other options.
The end result will be failure for the choice measures, and more middling improvement in educational quality.
To be fair, choice opponents aren’t the only ones who favor means-testing. Some advocates would accept income limits if that meant choice measures moved forward sooner.
While I can’t fault them for their impatience, and while I certainly share their concern for lower-income families, they need to realize they risk crippling the entire effort before it has a chance to succeed. Worse, they risk preventing even those lower-income families from seeing the very changes they so desperately need.
That’s hardly “fair,” to those families or anyone else.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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278 comments Add your comment
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 21st, 2013
11:00 am
All I heard was “Free! Free! It will all be free!!”
Dusty, this is what you heard on Fox News and from other conservatives. Or, maybe you can show me a link to where a Democrat was actually promising free stuff?
That “free stuff” was completely a fabrication of the vaunted Conservative media game.
Dusty
February 21st, 2013
11:05 am
Finn
I must get this straight since i live in Atlanta. What minority children are we trying to insulate? Black White or Hispanic?
You obviously have some kind of point you wish to throw on the fire. Would you make it clearer so we all understand?
JDW
February 21st, 2013
11:07 am
@Tiberius…”That’s the cold, hard reality of all too many of our teachers these days”
The hard cold reality is that you are living a fantasy. By in large our teachers are well trained and well qualified.
What they don’t have, as does most every job in successful corporate America, is an ability to analyze their performance and improve their results. No one that starts any job of any kind comes out of school prepared. There must be a process by which people are onboarded, gain skill competency and then progress to mastery. This is a process that takes years in most cases.
Go over and take a look at the Gates Foundation’s educational programs and thoughts and maybe you will begin to understand because you clearly don’t…oooops my bad what the he!! does Gates know about building a successful organization YOU are the expert and so much more successful than that hack.
MarkV
February 21st, 2013
11:07 am
Dusty @10:49 am
“With the president’s propensity for spending,, I suggest we ask teachers to learn Chinese for future use. You know. BE PREPARED!”
Dusty,
You must have missed the news that the bogeyman – China – is facing economic bubble burst and recession.
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 21st, 2013
11:09 am
They were all Liberals and revolutionaries.
And secessionists as well. None of them were big on democracy either.
“Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself” John Adams
Adams must have had a premonition about Barry Obama.
Steve
February 21st, 2013
11:10 am
All of this blah blah blah heresay and opinion.
LOOK TO WHAT IS WORKING IN THE TOP SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD: FINLAND. They are doing it right. Are we too proud to implement change here utilizing the success of others? Reinventing the wheel is stupid, people.
But …they are evil socialists, so I guess that won’t fly in Confederate Tea Party circles.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 21st, 2013
11:18 am
Finn, I must get this straight since i live in Atlanta. What minority children are we trying to insulate? Black White or Hispanic?
Maybe try rereading the sentence I wrote first? There is a “from ” in there.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:18 am
“Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself” John Adams
Adams must have had a premonition about Barry Obama.
Or the Reagan Administration.
When our debt tripled in 8 years.
MarkV
February 21st, 2013
11:20 am
Dusty @10:49 am
Isn’t it wonderful when Dusty, the socialism-fighter, keeps warning us of the economic danger from one of the few socialist countries in the world?
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:20 am
Kyle is trying to teach basic economics to the liberals? Good luck with that.
For the liberals this isn’t about freedom or choice. They don’t give a hoot about either- cept when it comes to abortion.
For the libs this is about one thing- CONTROL. Control of their masses and keeping them ignorant so that they keep voting Dem based on silly slogans like “change you can believe in”. That’s what its really about.
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 21st, 2013
11:21 am
barking frog
Why are Democrats pro choice everywhere but education ?
Incorrect, as I stated on page 1, the only place they are pro choice is in maternal choices, everywhere else their choice is Gov control. Name one place they are pro choice otherwise.
Education
Saving for your own retirement
Picking your own insurance
buying the light bulb you prefer
buying the toilet you would like
on and on
They always want government control of every decision.
Dusty
February 21st, 2013
11:25 am
Finn,
Bless your heart. I don’t listen to radio unless I’m stuck in a car somewhere. TV, only a little while at night. I like to read.
Are you trying to tell me that Obama never made any promises that the good times would roll if he were president? Huh? There are more way to say FREE than saying one word. He knows them all. Try “stimulus” for a start. I think you were just as susceptible as the rest of the Democrats.
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:25 am
Steve,
Finland is a poor example because its a very small country population wise, its largely homogenous, and therefore they share the same cultural values and expectations regarding education. It would be like comparing a public school in a wealthy lilly white upper class neighborhood with every other school. Try again.
Politico
February 21st, 2013
11:26 am
“Perfect myrmidon liberals. Unable to think.”
“When you can’t debate, insult.”
Post from the same blogger. Oh the irony………..
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 21st, 2013
11:28 am
Steve
Finland like Japan and China are not multicultural like the USA. Their culture is totally different from much of ours. It is apparently easier to educate children when they all have the same backgrounds, values, and early emphasis on education. Some cultures value education more than others, so you are not using a valid comparison. In a socialistic country the income levels of the parents are more consistent than in the USA. Plus, the much smaller population makes things more intimate and allows parents and teachers more mutual exposure. An apples to rutabaga comparison, I would say.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:29 am
Kyle is trying to teach basic economics to the liberals? Good luck with that.
For the liberals this isn’t about freedom or choice. They don’t give a hoot about either- cept when it comes to abortion.
For the libs this is about one thing- CONTROL.
Strawman
Dusty
February 21st, 2013
11:29 am
Dear MarkV
I only choose the socialist countries to whom we owe the most money. Currently that is China.
I do like Chinese noodles. Do you think that is a strong influence?.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:30 am
Finland is a poor example because its a very small country population wise, its largely homogenous, and therefore they share the same cultural values and expectations regarding education. It would be like comparing a public school in a wealthy lilly white upper class neighborhood with every other school. Try again.
In other words I dont like what the data says so ill spin it.
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:30 am
“That “free stuff” was completely a fabrication of the vaunted Conservative media game.”
Finn,
So what you’re saying is that the attempt through Obamacare to move millions more onto expanded Medicaid rolls isn’t giving away a lot of “free” stuff as in virtually free health care?
And of course adding millions more to the food stamp rolls doesn’t constitute more “free” stuff being given away either does it? Geez.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:32 am
barking frog
Why are Democrats pro choice everywhere but education ?
You can go to any school you want.
JUST PAY FOR IT YOURSELF MOOCHER
Aquagirl
February 21st, 2013
11:34 am
Where do you apply for private fire service? My feet are cold.
I’m sure there’s a phone number for some “fireman” to talk about your feet, google and have your credit card ready.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 21st, 2013
11:35 am
Why are Democrats pro choice everywhere but education ?
Wrong again. You have choice – free choice. You can send your kid to the locally available school or you can pay to send them somewhere else.
See, you Cons don’t even understand basic concepts like “choice” – that’s why we don’t trust you when you start throwing the word around.
MarkV
February 21st, 2013
11:36 am
Dusty @ 11:29 am
“I do like Chinese noodles. Do you think that is a strong influence?”
It might have something to do with it. How was the salmon yesterday? Better luck than with Cornish hens?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 21st, 2013
11:37 am
Finn, So what you’re saying is…
No one said it would be free, Thulsa.
Dusty
February 21st, 2013
11:38 am
Now Steve, that’s getting touchy! CONFEDERATE TEA PARTY CIRCLES??
Gee, I haven’t been to a tea party in years. Would you mind inviting me the next time you head for the tea and crumpets? I like tea even better than Mint juleps on the verander. Ahhhhh
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 21st, 2013
11:42 am
JUST PAY FOR IT YOURSELF MOOCHER
Thru my taxes I have already paid for it once. I have no school age children, but a true democratic country you libs always tout, when public opinion is in your favor, the money would go to whatever school you choose. But since we are not a democracy, we need to elect representatives to change the law.
Cheesy, I finally was able to think of one other area where Dems are pro choice, beside abortion.
Dems are pro choice on voting, if you are not registered or not eligible to vote. In fact, they encourage you to vote and vote as many times as you would like.
barking frog
February 21st, 2013
11:43 am
rafe Hollister
let me defend my snarky comment….
barking frog
Why are Democrats pro choice everywhere but education ?
Incorrect, as I stated on page 1, the only place they are pro choice is in maternal choices, everywhere else their choice is Gov control. Name one place they are pro choice otherwise.
Education—I think I can ignore this as I have conceded the point
Saving for your own retirement——–you can have others but you must have SS
Picking your own insurance—no limit of choice here except you must have health ins.
buying the light bulb you prefer—they have eliminated one type bulb
buying the toilet you would like—too many choices to count here
on and on
They always want government control of every decision, relating to public safety.(fixed)
Politico
February 21st, 2013
11:45 am
Rafe
Are you ok with single folks who are homeowners not to pay any taxes that go to schools?
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:47 am
Dems are pro choice on voting, if you are not registered or not eligible to vote. In fact, they encourage you to vote and vote as many times as you would like.
Strawman. Total BS
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:47 am
“In other words I dont like what the data says so ill spin it.”
No. In other words you’re cherry picking your data and then comparing apples and oranges. Did you really think we wouldn’t see through your silly little ruse?
barking frog
February 21st, 2013
11:48 am
let me defend my snarky comment the other way…
Finn McCool
Why are Democrats pro choice everywhere but education ?
Wrong again. You have choice – free choice. You can send your kid to the locally available school or you can pay to send them somewhere else.
———————————————————————-
Free choice for the wealthy is not free choice.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:48 am
Did you really think we wouldn’t see through your silly little ruse?
Something about not seeing the forest for the trees.
Some of this stuff is over your head. Isn’t it about your nap time.
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:48 am
“COST”- The ugly word never to be uttered in polite liberal society.
Dusty
February 21st, 2013
11:48 am
MarkV
I certainly do have a predilection for Chinese noodles, not to mention Sweet & Sour dishes.. . The salmon was delightful. I did not burn them in the microwave. Maybe I should send some to the Chinese for their inflation…
The cornish hens…Alas! I ;made them into little bitty sandwiches. A sad fate but tasty..
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 21st, 2013
11:49 am
Enter your comments hereWhat this boils down to is basic human greed.
We all pay taxes to support a system we can live under as a society. The proponents of this are just being greedy and saying “We don’t to pay taxes that go to benefit the general good our country; we only want our tax dollars to go to things that will benefit me and my kids.”
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 21st, 2013
11:50 am
The wealthiest of the wealthy have an obligation to help out……..blah, blah…. (BHO)
So, “help out” is one of those code words for “free”. If you have two cows, “help out” your neighbor and give one to him. Neighbor gets cow and no one said “free” , it was just a result of his government imposed “obligation”.
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:50 am
Cheesy,
As someone who has an economics degree I can assure you that its you who is in over your head and not me. I’ve forgotten more economics in a nanosecond then you’ll learn in a lifetime.
md
February 21st, 2013
11:52 am
I’m not one to pile on teachers because I think most do a great job in a thankless profession, too often demonized as the problem when that is not the case.
The problem is the student and by extension the parent. A teacher can not force a child to want to learn, that must come from within.
As a parent that was very involved with all my “students”, they all did not have the same desire to learn, or had a greater preference to learn things that were not taught in school
.
And yes, it boils down to choices……and the kids have to still make the proper ones.
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:53 am
The wealthiest of the wealthy have an obligation to help out……..blah, blah…. (BHO)
Rafe,
You can add the wealthy paying their “fair share” to that also with the implication that if the wealthy pay their “fair share” others get more free stuff.
barking frog
February 21st, 2013
11:53 am
Cheesy grits
You can go to any school you want.
JUST PAY FOR IT YOURSELF MOOCHER
…………………………………………………………….
Due to my service to my country that allows you to
live in luxury and attend my schools…I will… with your tax dollar and mine.
Buzzy
February 21st, 2013
11:54 am
The elite leaders of the Republican Party could care less about the education of children. They care about one thing and that’s money.
The ultimate goal of their various “schooling plans” boils down to firing teachers with good pay and benefits who spend money in their communities, and replacing them with “technology” which can be beamed in from another location (just like Wal mart whisks money out of local communities).
The Republicans love government money…but they want it steered into fewer pockets.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:54 am
As someone who has an economics degree I can assure you that its you who is in over your head and not me. I’ve forgotten more economics in a nanosecond then you’ll learn in a lifetime.
Ill believe that when pigs fly.
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 21st, 2013
11:55 am
“We don’t to pay taxes that go to benefit the general good our country
Crappola, the money goes to educate one child, which is the purpose of collecting the money in the first place. One child removed from a government school is one child less they have to spend their revenue on. Everyone would have the same opportunity to designate where their child receives his/her education.
You could still force people without children to contribute to the government schools, and most people paying in have no children, so the public schools would get most of the money. Just make adjustments to free people from having to pay twice for their childs education.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:55 am
Due to my service to my country that allows you to
live in luxury and attend my schools…I will… with your tax dollar and mine.
Moocher
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:56 am
“The problem is the student and by extension the parent.”
The biggest problem that I see and that my sister in law teacher sees is the culture that some kids come from where there is no reading material or literature in the house, the parent doesn’t read to the kids, the kids spend most of their time watching tv, and the parent usually just doesn’t give much of a hoot about their kid’s education. No father in the house doesn’t help either. That’s quite a tough obstacle for them to overcome.
barking frog
February 21st, 2013
11:57 am
Cheesy grits 11:55
don’t take it personal, i’m just smarter than you are….
Thulsa Doom
February 21st, 2013
11:59 am
“Ill believe that when pigs fly.”
You don’t have to believe it cheesy. Its evidenced everyday in your posts by your clear lack of critical thinking skills, your poor understanding of statistical analysis, and your rather meager understanding of economic issues. But thanks for playing.
bman.
February 21st, 2013
11:59 am
Just set up videoconferencing for the students. Anything else need solving today?
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 21st, 2013
11:59 am
don’t take it personal, i’m just smarter than you are….
Not
Even
Close
Bruno
February 21st, 2013
12:00 pm
No comment on the current topic, but did want to congratulate Kyle on slowly building his audience here. Glad to see my buddy barking frog hanging around. Or is he just looking for a few flies to zap with his tongue??