Proposal: Private School vs. Public School Education
This research paper explores the topic of private school versus public school education. The research question guiding this research paper is as follows: Does a child get a better education in a private or public school? An introduction to the topic is followed by a review of literature research related to school characteristics and parental choices, teacher pay, curriculum, family decisions, and conclusions.
Enrollment in both public and private school continued to increase. Figures show that enrollment in public school has gone from 15,503 in 1900 to 47,051 in 2001 and is projected to be 47,178 in 2010. Enrollment in private school has gone from 1,352 in 1900 to 5,851 in 2001 and is projected to be 5,836 in 2010 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2002). Parents are choosing private schools over public schools for various reasons and the question remains as to whether students are receiving a better education in a private or a public school.
School Characteristics and Parental Choices
Studies have shown that racial composition of the local student population is a reason for choice of school. Coleman, Hoffer, and Kilgore (1980; 1982) discuss the issue of integration in public and private schools. Blacks are sending their children to private schools just as whites are due to the belief that they provide a better education with career development and training, compared to public schools. According to the U.S. 1980 Census, around 5% of black families had children in private schools which was half the proportion of white families. Catholic schools are found to have the highest percentage of minority students among the integrated private schools. These schools provide a convenient location and a quality reputation regarding teaching and discipline. Black families choose private schools because they want an equal education in an integrated environment to...