Show Me the Money: The School Voucher DebateCall Number: DVD LC66 .S256 2000
Publication Date: 2000
PPC member Marida Carmona presents Dr. Noe Sauceda, superintendent of Edgewood Independent School District, and Dr. Gary Scott, St. Mary's University professor of economics. Utilizing a debate format, Dr. Saucedo argues against vouchers; Dr. Scott argues for them. Dr. Saucedo contrasts the public schools' mission of universal service with private schools' inability to serve all. He points to vastly increased demands placed on educational outcomes in an increasingly competitive global economy, while funding has remained constant. Dr. Saucedo argues that vouchers will only exacerbate current problems by diverting state funds to already wealthy school districts. He praises the self-examination that the voucher debate has produced, but thinks it could be achieved by less harmful methods. Dr. Saucedo urges state accountability and parental involvement. Dr. Scott discusses the idea of the 'common school' and questions public schools' ability to equal private schools' demonstrated superior common school outcomes. He urges portable (i.e. student-centered) school funding. Dr. Scott contrasts the positions of the two leading 2000 presidential candidates and favors the market-driven voucher system over the current government-driven system. (49 minutes)