What Does Public
Education Mean for You?
Education Mean for You?
“Let us think of education as a means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each child there is a private hope and dream, which, if fulfilled, can be translated into benefits for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” —John F. Kennedy
Enriches the quality of life in communities: Communities with strong school systems have, among other positive qualities, lower crime rates (80% of inmates are high school dropouts and just $1 in preschool money saves $8 dollars in jail costs), flourishing culture/arts (research shows that communities with strong public schools typically have strong cultural opportunities), and better real estate prices (attractive schools make for attractive home markets).
Preserves our democracy: An important job of public schools is to instill the values of democracy. Schools create a common vision of democracy despite the many differences. A democracy can not thrive in an uneducated population or where only an elite few are educated. Schools teach our children to become active concerned citizens through legislation involvement, teaching the principals of our government, debates, mock elections, service groups.
Provides greater earning power: High school graduates earn twice as much as dropouts who also cost the US Government $97,714 in lost tax revenue. This greater earning power translates into a better quality of living for families.
Maintains free market economy: Our future employees, employers, and consumers are today’s students. Schools promote the free market economy by giving kids the education needed about the world market, preparing them to participate in the world market, and giving them spendable income that will stimulate the market.
Preserves the middle class: If we didn’t teach all children we would have a world of haves and have nots. All children must have an opportunity to become productive workers.
Promotes equal opportunity: School is where children explore the world through literature, history, social studies. For many children, school is the only place where they are exposed to worlds outside their own. Regardless of one’s race, religion, family income, disability, we give every child the same chance for success.
Although many senior citizens no longer have children in school, everyone reaps the benefits of education. If we hope to maintain or improve the quality of life in our communities, attract new businesses, and continue to prosper as a nation, then education is essential.