The limitless access to information represented by the computer and the Internet will dramatically change the way students learn, the role of teachers and the nature of the classroom. A monopolistic school system lacks the flexibility to respond creatively to this new situation. Educational choice would invigorate citizens to support a diversity of schools ready to experiment on how best to prepare children for a new day. Critics of this argument disagree with the very terms of the discussion. These concepts from the market, however, are not helpful in understanding the role of public schools in society.
Public schools are institutions of the whole society established for the common good.
When public schools do not serve the needs of all, citizens and government have the responsibility to improve them. A strong public school system is the best assurance for individual and national success in the global economy. Some critics see the key to providing excellence in education as cooperation and partnership, not competition. They envision new coalitions of parents, public and private schools, community leaders, businesses, governments, churches and synagogues working together to bring about excellence in education for all children. Competition among public and private universities and colleges has produced the best system in the world.