Exploring Education Research Paper

Exploring Education by Natilee Radosevich

Invested parents all over the United States face a choice regarding their child's education. Although the age for mandatory schooling varies state to state, the one constant is the availability of free public education. However, in actuality, there are three main types of schooling: public, private, and home. Since there are pro's and con's to each of these, the decision is based on what is best for the individual family. Statistically, public schooling is the most common choice. When both parents work, conventional education allows them the convenience of maintaining their jobs while their child is at school. Since this choice is funded entirely by the tax system, there is no cost to the parent.

Not only this, but many extra-curricular activities like sports, music, and drama are available through the school system. These opportunities provide a social time for new friendships to be fostered and established friendships to grow. Exposure to diverse ethnicities and a variety of worldviews are given to children in a public school setting as well. They are taught to be inclusive and tolerant of people regardless of their varying worldviews, gender, or race. For secular parents, this can be a positive aspect. However, for many Christian parent, exposing their children to things so contrary to everything the have been taught at home makes this type of education quite incompatible. Behavioral issues are also a concern and can accelerate when limited individual help is received in a traditional school

There, like-minded administrators, teachers, and parents can unite to build a school program that accommodates their mutual beliefs. The student's decision to practice their faith at school eliminates any funding from the government. Often, a wealthy benefactor supports the school until its feet are under it. Private schools have a much higher standard both academically and morally. Students are expected to keep up with the rest of the class. If it is evident that certain youths are struggling, tutoring is available to further their learning ability. Parents are also encouraged to participate in the child's education. Because of the smaller setting, the student:teacher ratio is greatly improved significantly reducing behavioral problems. Unfortunately, because a private school does not comply with public school standards, no federal funding is available for disabilities service. Because of the higher standard, not every child is accepted, and there are often eligibility tests. Regrettably, a social eliteness is fostered which can form cliques and cause exclusiveness. In addition to the magnanimous financial commitment required private schools, parents are responsible for transportation; buses are rarely provided. Thankfully, a third option is available where transportation isn't required: