I also appreciate the post. Related to this comment, my initial reaction to this is that a good solution to this is (1) deregulating schools and (2) school vouchers. By deregulating, I mean eliminate the local government monopoly on schools—allow charities and profit-making schools. I would guess there are also many bad regulations that make it hard to set up schools. By offering vouchers, you would give children the opportunity to opt out of schools that they hate and are being bullied at.
When you think about it, it is very weird that kids often have only ~two schools to choose from in their local area. Kids are trapped in schools that they hate. By liberalising supply and offering choice, you could at least give children the chance to opt out. It’s a bit like if your only employer had to be the Catholic Church or the local authority—I don’t think people would be very happy. At present, the best way that parents can choose better schools is by moving house, which is extremely perverse.
One rationale offered for school vouchers is improved educational outcomes, but that seems a bit doubtful from what I have read. But the case from a student welfare point of view seems quite strong.
I also appreciate the post. Related to this comment, my initial reaction to this is that a good solution to this is (1) deregulating schools and (2) school vouchers. By deregulating, I mean eliminate the local government monopoly on schools—allow charities and profit-making schools. I would guess there are also many bad regulations that make it hard to set up schools. By offering vouchers, you would give children the opportunity to opt out of schools that they hate and are being bullied at.
When you think about it, it is very weird that kids often have only ~two schools to choose from in their local area. Kids are trapped in schools that they hate. By liberalising supply and offering choice, you could at least give children the chance to opt out. It’s a bit like if your only employer had to be the Catholic Church or the local authority—I don’t think people would be very happy. At present, the best way that parents can choose better schools is by moving house, which is extremely perverse.
One rationale offered for school vouchers is improved educational outcomes, but that seems a bit doubtful from what I have read. But the case from a student welfare point of view seems quite strong.