Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Market Theory and School Choice
Choice has always been part and parcel of us in our daily activities, with tradeoffs being an integral part of our decision making. Everyone in pursuit of knowledge struggles to find the best school in the country with a better education system. Like in the free market, the managing directors running several schools and the government at large strive to outdo the other to attract and dominate the education sector. Some critics argue that school is like a public commodity and should be managed by public means chosen by the government. In contrast, others do believe that we should value each and everyone’s freedom and family should make their own decisions that they are certain is of their interests regarding schools. Through choice, families will have several options, and then comes the best selection of school. This has necessitated competition that has resulted in the innovation of schools, better service delivery, and increased integrity to lure more students (Springs,2014)
Economists say that for the market to progress well, consumers need to have better knowledge and several options to choose from. However, families require various needs and expectations from the schools, most of which cannot be measured. In a free-market economy, any transaction between the buyer and the seller is not related in any way to other transactions. At the same time, in schools, many parents and families are more concerned about how the children relate with their peers and the teachers, as this will affect the overall performance and the grades attained. As a result of competition in a free market, most of the needy students end up with few options. Some of the benefits and demerits of free-market theory and school choice include:
Benefits of free-market theory and choice of school.
Improved performance.
Like in the free market, schools would try to outshine one another due to competition. Academic excellence will be a notch higher, especially in private schools, to attract the students. Service delivery and better learning materials will be readily available to boost the public image of the school.
Reduction in racism and essential to the poor
In a free market, consumers have a variety of choices and can only buy what they can afford. Just like in the free market, the choice has enabled the less fortunate in society to the school which they can afford. The minorities shun away from more expensive private schools and attend the pocket-friendly schools.
Increased quality of schools.
Choice results in a competition, which in turn improves the quality of services offered. Many students prefer schools with better conditions in terms of overall performance, qualified teachers, and better facilities.
Disadvantages of school choice.
Accessed by only the chosen few
The marginalized and minorities have limited choices and, as a result, end up with little information in terms of performance. Others are financially straining and cannot afford the private schools with learning activities and therefore end up in a state of desperation
Parents do not make the right decision
Some parents do not have the ideal information regarding the school. As a result, they send the children to impoverished learning institutions and regret later on.
Division among students
Choice results in division among the students as the students from better academies feel superior over their colleagues in lesser schools. The vulnerable with fewer choices feel discouraged and therefore, might not perform well.
The choice is an integral part of us since it leads to healthy competitions. Through choice, better performance of schools has been witnessed in terms of learning activities and service delivery. Like the free market economy, families are entitled to take their children to the school of their interests. Though choice promotes some vices, its benefits outshine its flaws.
References
Spring, J. (2014). Political agendas for education: From race to the top to saving the planet. Routledge.