First Article

For Profit Schools. They're spreading fast. Can private companies do a better job of educating America's kids?

Author: William C. Symonds, Ann Therese Palmer, Dave Lindorff, Jessica McCann

Source: BusinessWeek

Date: February 7^th 2000

This article focuses on the emergence of for-profit companies that have a role in school systems across America. It addresses some of the positives, negatives, and the anticipation of the “revolution” that may follow if for-profit companies end up being a success story.

Significance of the headline:

This headline cuts right to the chase and asks the question that many people in the U.S. are pondering. What place do private companies have in the American educational system? I think that the journalist adds “they’re spreading fast” in order to add a sense of excitement & anticipation. It re-emphasizes the idea that this is a topic that the reader must pay attention to.

How does the journalist frame the issue:

This article appeared in BusinessWeek so it makes sense that the main argument that the authors make is one related to the business side. It relates success as being achieved once the profits are made. Also, there is an underlying feeling that the reason for-profit schools are exciting is because of the money it could generate. It is framed as being a “breakthrough business opportunity”. The journalists seem to be pressing the idea that competition, driven by the profit motive, can deliver quality education.

Who is represented:

3 School Administrators

4 Parents

2 Stock Analysts

3 For-profit C.E.O’s

Education Expert

President of the National Education Association

Deputy Education Secretary

What has been left out:

There is no international angle, what role do for-profit companies have in the educational systems of other countries. If they do have a role, what is it? And is it a positive or negative relationship. Also, there is no discussion about the needs of the culturally and linguistically diverse children that are becoming more and more prevalent in school systems all across the United States. The perspectives of learners with special needs are left out. Another question that I have is, what are the true goals of the for-profit companies, do they have a true interest in improving the American education system, or are they motivated by the prospective money making opportunities?

How the debate aligns with ideological struggle in society:

It favors the idea that success is determined by monetary gains.

It is pro parental choice, in relation to the selection of a school.

Private versus Public

What ideologies are present:

Freedom of choice/ Democracy

In America the individuals rights and freedoms are highly regarded, this ideology is directly related to parental choice when it comes to the schooling of their children. I believe that this is a dominant American ideology and it is also the dominant argument in this article.

Competition is Key

There is a strong ideology that says that competition is healthy. This is seen at many levels, from top-down and bottom-up. Many times we are told that competition makes you stronger and that the best man will win. In this article the journalist states that society will have better educational outcomes and opportunities if for-profit, public, charter and private schools are allowed to compete.

Money Solves All Problems

In America’s capitalist society there is a definite power in money. In this article it is implied that the failing, poor, public schools need to be rescued. The elite, upper class will come in and be the hero and solve the education problem by throwing money at it. This can be seen on a larger societal level when considering the ever-present ideology that money can solve all problems.