In reviewing the cost of doing business in Massachusetts (Illinois having a similar program, and also receiving similar Federal AID), one finds that the average cost per pupil to educate a child in Massachusetts is $13,055, the cost to administer tests and provide materials: $757, teacher’s salaries, benefits, continuing education, administration of the school: $9,544. Teachers salary per student averaged $4598 per pupil (includes all teachers). The table is available at http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/finane.aspx. An overview is shown below.
Cost of education in Massachusetts schools, averaged per student 2010
For comparison purposes, the 2010 (2011 now available) MCAS (Massachusetts Standardized Testing) scores reveal that "(pfd summary: www.doe.mass.edu.mcas/2010/results/summary.pfd) (Pages 18 & 19): (Mathematics) Grade 8: 25% of Hispanics students scored proficient or higher, and only 58% of those “white” students managed to achieve proficient or higher. Reading (English Language Arts) scores were significantly higher, with 55% of Hispanic Latino’s scoring above proficient, and 84% of “white” students scoring above proficient. The graduation rate in 2009 and 2008 at an urban school system, using the state averaged cost of doing business, and test results shows a dismal 54 %.(*Masslive.com)
In comparing the public sector to the private: A typical Massachusetts Parochial School (Bishop Stang, Dartmouth, MA), tuition is approximately $7400 per year, families provide text books and study guides, at a cost of approximately $300 to $600 (used versus new or combined), the curriculum is geared towards advancement, standardized tests are given based on all subject matter areas, specifically of note: the graduation rates and the average SAT scores (college board) show above average scores, with a graduation rate of and the graduation rate of 88% to 4 year colleges, 10.5% to 2 year colleges and 1.5% Employment. Comparing tuition, scores and graduation rates from parochial schools across the state, the above was the average on costs, and all schools showed a similar if not identical graduation rate.
This is a valid argument for school choice, and vouchers, given the fact that the majority of the public school budget goes towards teachers, and additional testing (for teachers), administration, the private sector, (non-union) provides the same services for less, with stellar results. This is why the District of Columbia continues to fight tooth and nail to keep its school voucher system. In order to enroll your child in a private parochial school, one must pay an admission fee ($150-$200), the student must take an entrance exam, provide grades, and interview (any one of those three will weigh in the decision to enroll) and there is financial aid available, as well as loans. In addition, admission is not restricted to the Catholic Faith, and or any particular religious denomination – the key is that parochial schools offer a better education for less – in the meantime support legislation for school choice in all states
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