Public and private schools- media's representations and real experience?

Question

hello everyone

I just want to ask parents and deffinately TEACHERS what you think of public and private schools. How is media representing the two? and how do YOU really feel about the media's representation and what you've experienced?


Theresa

Answer 1

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As a student, I was in public school until my senior year of high school, and then for my final year I attended a private school. From an educational standpoint, they were both the same. There are good kids and bad kids no matter where you go, as there are also good teachers and lousy teachers. When applying for colleges and universities, more administrators assumed that I had a better education because of that one year of private school, so there is a positive social stigma that comes with having attended a private school-- but I believe that is also because private school costs money to the parents or guardians, so the media portrays that socio-economic group as one of affluence and almost like a 'higher' class. This is wrong. I can't honestly say that one year of private school changed my life. There were still kids with drug problems or who got pregnant (although it was probably hidden better) and those are common occurences in public schools as well, sadly.

As a teacher, I work in the public system. My reasoning is this: private schools are privately funded and can afford the best equipment and technology, so those kids are going to have an advantage in that regard, but I believe that since the majority of students attend public schools, they need educators who care and will go that extra mile to help. I like being part of the fund-raising team for things like equipment. This shows students how to set goals, plan, and commit to an idea. It helps build a community when students, teachers, and parents are all able to work together for the betterment of their children.

One thing that might surprise you about private school teachers-- they don't make as great of salaries as you might expect. In fact, if the school is religiously based (other than Catholic) those teachers, on average, make 30% less than public school teachers. I only recently learned this and until that moment had also believed the media perceptions about private school teachers.

I hope this helps. You never specified why you were asking. Good luck.

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Asker's Comment:

Hey everyone thanks for your answers. I'm doing an assessment at uni looking at this issue and must look into how media/pop culture etc represents it and if it differs from real expereinces and how.

Answer 2

It really depends on the individual school. I attended one of the best public schools in the world, and as a result my education was of a higher quality than some private schools.

However, im applying for university now, and I really wish my parents had sent me to a private school to improve my chances! I hate the fact im up against a lot of competition.

Also depends if youre religious or not...

Answer 3

Having raised three kids I never really noticed the media going one way or the other. As you are probably aware, two thirds of the media are left wing. Most journalist, writers, anchors, etc. are usually from affluent families and tend to think of themselves as elite and superior. Hey! Where is this coming from? I'm sure most of them attended private schools. There is a difference from private schools and then costly private schools. You get what you pay for. It is like any business. Some public and private schools are good and some bad. It boils down to who manages the school (Principle and Vice Principles). That sometimes tends to trickle down to the teachers. Again, you get what you pay for. Give a low salary and you will tend to get poor teachers unless they are just dedicated or loyal to the school and the area where they work or live. Check out the schools closely (public and private). Ask for a tour. Talk to the teachers. Hang around in the morning and afternoon to talk to the parents and children. Attend a PTA meeting if allowed. Most schools have a local police officer. Talk to him. Look over the school security. Go to the local police and see what kind of incidents they have responded to at the school and how often. Then stop in and ask some of the neighbors living next to the school - if you dare. Our neighbor was a Teacher and always preferred to work for a private school and a Catholic school when she could. Obviously, it is easier for a private school to get rid of bad apples. There are still legal hurdles, but not as many. Always do your research.

Answer 4

Public schools get a bad rap as having no order and poor quality education, but that depends on where you guy. Private schools get labeled as schools for rich white kids and uptight control freaks.