Strings Attached: The True Cost of School Choice - Aby Rinella
"Freedom is never funded by the government." ~ Aby Rinella
Aby Rinella joins Yvette Hampton to discuss the critical and often misunderstood topic of school choice. Delving deep into what school choice truly means, Aby, a former public school teacher and seasoned advocate for parental freedom in education, shares her expertise on the implications, risks, and misconceptions surrounding this concept. Whether you're a long-time homeschooler or just curious about educational alternatives, this episode provides a clear explanation of how "school choice" impacts families and why it's such a contested issue among conservatives. Tune in to arm yourself with essential information that goes beyond the buzzwords.
Recommended Resources:
School Choice: Unmasking the Euphemism (Article)
HomeschoolFreedom.com (Get involved in your state Homeschool Organization)
UNESCO – Global Education Monitoring Report
Related Podcast Episodes:
Zan Tyler – The Fight for Educational Freedom
The Truth about School Choice - Alex Newman
How Common Core and School Choice Affect Homeschoolers - Alex Newman
Unveiling a Vision for Education - Leigh Bortins and Alex Newman, Part 1
The Battle for Independent Education - Alex Newman and Leigh Bortins, Part 2
Embracing Educational Freedom - Alex Newman and Leigh Bortins, Part 3
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some of the main concerns Yvette and Aby express about accepting government money for homeschooling? How do they think it could impact future homeschooling freedom?
2. Aby Rinella mentions the phrase "he who pays the piper picks the song." How does this metaphor relate to the idea of government funding in education? Do you agree with this perspective?
3. Discuss the concept of the money following the student versus government influence following the money.
4. Aby and Yvette discuss the complexities of the idea that "it's my tax money" regarding school funding. Explore alternative ways that taxpayers could have more control or say in how their tax money is used without leading to increased government control over education choices.
5. How do Yvette and Aby address the criticism that opposing government funding for private education is a socialist or anti-conservative viewpoint? Discuss the counterarguments they present.
6. According to Aby and Yvette, why is it dangerous to create dependence on government funding for homeschooling? Can you think of any historical or contemporary examples where government dependency has been problematic?
7. Discuss the broader social and economic implications of a voucher system as explained by Aby. How might such a system alter the landscape of education funding and accountability?
8. Both Yvette and Aby emphasize the importance of handling educational choices without government interference. How can communities support educational freedom and quality without falling into the traps of government overreach?
Sponsors:
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The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.
