Then there is the curious notion that we can measure equity and equality by the dollars we put in, rather than the results we get out. A host of prominent state business and political leaders have vociferously advocated for outcomes based assessment, including learning results. I guess, like local control, it s only an argument of convenience, not conviction. Furthermore, there is ample evidence that dollars do not correlate with quality. Washington D.C. s woeful public schools spend about twice as much per student as Maine does.
Many private schools spend less.
The most likely result of a massive infusion of state dollars into public schools is an increase in personnel expenses, not an increase in MEA scores. The proposed amendments are also a subtle threat to the continued private status of schools like Washington Academy. Thus, the education establishment can both get more money and slay its competitors simultaneously. They might even get the statewide uniform property tax back. We need a child centered, as opposed to institution centered, educational philosophy.