George J. Marlin in his “On the Right” column (March 3, 2017) has done extensive research on comparing the financial expenses and student accomplishments in parochial versus public schools.
His conclusions are that the parochial schools do a better job at a significantly lower per pupil expenditure.
I applaud his scholarship, but would point out that he is not the first to make such claims.
He shares the fact that he attended a parochial high school, which today sends all its grads to college and, furthermore, that these students are prepared to do university-level work.
Unlike Mr. Marlin, I always attended public school and then taught for over four decades at Queens College, a public institution.
My problem with Marlin’s findings is that he has asked the wrong questions.
First, I would like to know what criteria are used by the parochial schools for acceptance.
If they reject students who are academically unqualified, then we are not on a level playing field.
Mr. Marlin provides a partial answer to this question when he states: “A majority of the 900+ students are minorities.”
That is a necessary but insufficient answer.
I want to know zip codes, annual salary of the parent, and any other pertinent economic data which might explain the success rate of these minority students.
My next question has to do with motivation.
Here Mr. Marlin provides a partial answer.
Referencing the 900-plus minority students he states: “The parents and their children believe that the sacrifice is worth it.”
This is a “throwaway line,” which undermines everything else Mr. Marlin is saying.
Isn’t is possible (maybe probable) that the mere fact of applying to a parochial (or charter) school is the determinative factor in school success?
Are there not studies which prove that when parents are actively involved and when students do their homework and study for tests, that they succeed?
I would suggest that Mr. Marlin’s failure to consider these questions is not an oversight.
To answer them, would have jeopardized his entire thesis.
To be sure,
Mr. Marlin can take comfort in the fact that Betsy DeVos, our new secretary of education, never attended public schools and has no love for them.
Dr. Hal Sobel
Great Neck
