Why I Support Education But Not Private Schools -- -- **Introduction** A typical private school teachers argument: Teachers from public schools dont have any reason to care for you cause they just come to work, get their check from the government and go home. Plus, theyre on tenure which is a guaranteed contract. Us, we flew all the way out here on our own money just to help teach you guys A typical public school teachers argument: Teachers from private schools are only there to convert you. Why do you think every church on-island wants an elementary and high school? Plus, they get their money from your tuition so theyll want to keep you in school longer -- Notice this isnt about religion. This is about education. -- -- **Background**: In 1995, the F.S.M. National Standardized Test (F.S.M. N.S.T.) was first administered to help gauge students progress through middle and high school. The College of Micronesia Entrance Test (C.O.M.E.T.) was also administered to high school seniors. According to 1995-2001 data (sadly no recent studies), the F.S.M. states spend more money into their public schools per-pupil than private school students do for their tuition. Yet, on average, private school students have tested much higher than their public school counterparts, especially from schools like Calvary, SDA (Chuuk, Yap, Pohnpei, Marshalls), Xavier, Saramen, Berea, Mizpah, Assumption, Mindszenty and Emmaus/Bethania. Even the Xavier High School Entrance Test reports a higher number of accepted private elementary school graduates than public, with the exception of Kosrae which has no private school. But take note that there is a difference between causation and correlation and one cannot prove that just because a school has higher test scores, that does not mean it performs better. It simply means that it has brighter students. Whether or not it be due to the school itself is something else entirely that cant fully be tested. But how can a school be attracting so many bright students? -- -- **History**: Perhaps its because the first form of formal education that Micronesians ever encountered was through the preaching of the gospel by missionaries. For how could one read the Bible if they didnt know how to read at all? It certainly wasnt available on DVD, at least not at the time. And so private schools were set up in rural areas and a trust was established between the people that good education also comes with learning about God. The Church had already made its mark on education in Micronesia long before public office did. However... -- -- **Argument**: Religion and standards isnt why I dont agree with private schools. I think theyre doing great which isnt the problem itself but does create another. FSM Congress has created bills to fund million-dollar infrastructure projects and academic/extracurricular trips as well as the FSM National Valedictorian Scholarship. But why does the public school system still yet suffer? Maybe because tossing money around doesnt exactly help without the proper care and attention given to the students? Besides Upward Bound (which has funding cut for it in certain Micronesian islands due to low student progress), what other summer program do you know has been made for public school students? This past summer of 2013, Xavier High started up the Higher Achievement Program (HAP) in Pohnpei and Intensive Care Unit Program (ICU) in Yap to prepare elementary students for high school, more particularly theirs. Wheres Yaps public summer academic activities? And I dont mean the reading program at the public library. Private schools were never made to accommodate enormous numbers of students. So how can they suit the needs of an entire country when the entire countrys students were never cut out for the standards of the school? A handful of graduates each year does not make a country. A good student shouldnt have to be the one that suffers only because they were not allowed to attend a good school because its too full or its too expensive. Wheres vocational schools when you need them? At least it taught good trade skills. Ive heard students from certain private schools always readily declaring that theyre the next leaders of tomorrow. No hate, but leaders of what? A frail, lacking and uneducated industry? For you can have all the brains you want in your head, but without strong hands and a working backbone to support you, youll just be sitting paralyzed from the neck down. To be forever at the mercy of those around you spoonfeeding you. Sound familiarly and humanly comparable to any particular countries living off foreign aid? Be humble as a person and a student… There is a difference between being humble and being afraid.” ~ FSM President, Emmanuel Manny Mori -- -- **Conclusion**: Education in Micronesia shouldnt have to be something that belongs to a particular denomination or religion. Education in Micronesia shouldnt have to be something that is readily available in rural main island areas and Outer Islanders have to travel far for. Education in Micronesia shouldnt have to be something that families need to take out a loan just to pay tuition and travel expenses for (especially just for elementary/high school). Because in the end, it still comes down to the bottom line: Good, quality education shouldnt have to be something you pay for. -- -- -- -- There is a great deal of room for progress in our education systems ~ Micronesian Seminar Founder, Father Francis X. Hezel, S.J. Pastor Isamo Welles first recognized the vision of a Christian day school when his son was repeating profanities that he had heard at school. Since, 1979, CCA has enrolled students from all backgrounds with the primary goal of evangelizing its student body. ~ Calvary Christian Academy Pohnpei Yap SDA School began in 1987 with three student missionary teachers. Many things have changed since then, but the focus remains the same: to introduce students to Jesus, and to provide quality education for the people of Yap. ~ Yap SDA School Most Reverend Thomas J. Feeney, S.J., D.D., Vicar Apostolic of the Caroline and Marshall Islands determined to establish a secondary school in the former Japanese radio station. The work of reconstruction began at once and on September 8, 1952, Xavier High School opened its doors... ~ Xavier Micronesia ...Parents approached him and asked him to start a high school as there was no comparable high school for their children to continue their education. Father Hacker delayed the building of the new church, and started Assumption High School in 1972. ~ Assumption Schools Marshall Islands Pastor John Robert did recognize the need of a Christian school for their children... They started to solicit all kinds of assistance from friends who held key positions in the government and from other members of the Berea Church. In 1981, Berea Christian School began its first year of existent [sic]... ~ Berea Christian School Shoulda drove more time to school with her, I thought I dropped enough jewels on her, Took her from private school, so she can get a balance, To public school, they too nurture teen talents ~ Daughter by American Rapper, Nasir NAS Jones
Posted on: Thu, 12 Jun 2014 14:35:13 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015