Faith Based Schools by Wild Bill
During an interview on TVO, a local politician made the point that public school boards spend $6000.00 per student, and the Catholic school boards pay $7000.00 per student. The interviewer asked why there was such a difference. The politician replied,"in Catholic Schools, the child gets an education."
So what do you think? Is this going to be the provincial election that will be known as "The Tory Story." Separate schools struggled for years to be given financial support equal to the public schools and removing this hard earned right, could be the feather that impaired the dromedary's back.
Picture it. A cosmopolitan melting pot like Toronto with numerous diverse schools, concentrating on their unique beliefs, varied in ethics, customs, uniforms, and a myriad other differences. This is not how a government achieves assimilation. Unity is not strengthened by advocating visible variety.
But we are trying to be fair. Every individual should be free to worship in the religion of his choice. But here is the rub. Places of worship throughout the world are established by adherents on the bases of their traditions. It is in each of these temples, mosques, and churches that the believers train their children about the fundamentals of their faith.
I propose that the government stop its financial support of institutions of religious belief, and put the onus of establishing places of worship on those who revere their ideologies. They are being helped now by not having their establishments taxed.
Following my proposal, universal public funding of schools would provide large sums of money. Enriching the quality of education will provide ethical training of our young, and would give the students valuable cross cultural experience. Let's keep religious fundamentals where they belong and ensure that youngsters are not deprived of the opportunity to learn about the roots of their family's religious beliefs.
Wild Bill
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1 comment:
Interesting insights, as usual Bill.
I think the problem you address would be best dealt with by using voucher systems. Every student would be given an annual voucher for 'x' dollars by the local board of education. Instead of the money being allocated directly to the school, it would go to the student. The student, and/or his parents, would then decide on which school to spend their money. Schools should compete, like any other business. Good schools will attract students, poor schools will fail.
I have no problem whatsoever with religious education. Parents and students should have the right to decide where to spend their education dollars. Kids should be able to learn what they want, where they want, within reason. A basic curriculum should be enforced, ensuring that kids learn to read, write and function. Otherwise, schools could focus on arts, trades, whatever, based on demand.
As far as the Catholic schools are concerned, I send my own son to one. We are not Catholic. We are not, in fact religious. I consider the fact that my son is exposed to Catholic teachings a reasonable price to pay for the fact that the Catholic system, on average, produces better results, in safer schools than the public system. It's not a perfect solution, but it is reasonable.
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