Private Education, Legislation And Parental Choice
Private education is
usually one of the most sought after services in any society; however, the
legislation which governs private education differs according to country. In Denmark, a country of 5.7 million people
private education has a long tradition and this service comes with a
substantial government subsidy. The
first “free school” private independent school for children was founded in
1852. These schools were established to serve rural population. In Denmark, all
children must receive nine years education; however, parents have the choice
where the child is educated. The choice for Danes regarding education is either
publicly provided municipal primary and lower secondary school, in a private
school or at home. It is estimated that about 13% of all children at basic
school level attend private schools. In 2006, approximately, 91,000 children
attend 491 private schools, while 690, 000 students attended the municipal
school. Private schools in Denmark are
classified into the following: small independent schools in rural districts,
large independent schools in urban districts, religions or congregational
schools, progressive free schools, schools with a particular educational aim,
German minority schools or immigrant schools. It is fascinating that private schools receive
a grant per student per year for their operational expenditures which in
principle matches the public expenditures in the municipal schools. It is important to note that grants vary
depending on the size of the school, the age distribution of the students and
the location of the school. Interestingly, students with learning
disabilities or other special needs are given special grants. There are also
building grants to cover rent, maintenance. In order to be classified as a private school
such an institution must not be owned by a private individual or run for
profit. Additionally, such schools must
be a self-governing institution with a Board of Governors responsible to the
Ministry of Education, guided by rules regulating the use of any assets in case
of liquidation. Across continents we visit Canada to examine how private education
is governed.
Canada
Canada is the largest country in North America. The country has a population of 36 million people. There are ten provinces in Canada, these are: Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. There are also three territories, these are; Northwest, Nunavat and Yukon. All education is overseen by the federal government but the onus is on provincial governments to govern funding and academic regulations which vary from province to province. Whether a school is public or private it must meet stringent requirements of federal or provincial regulation. The majority of privately funded schools in Canada are religious-based. Private schools are accredited by bodies such as the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Canadian Association of Montessori Administrators (CCMA). Private schools in Ontario and Nova Scotia whether they are operated as business or non-profit organizations do not receive any financial support from the government, however, five other provinces do. British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec five funds to eligible independent schools based on criteria such as hiring certified teachers and following the provincial curriculum. In Canada, there is a difference between private and independent schools. Private schools are usually for profits institutions. Independent schools are usually not for profit and are governed by a Board which is separate from the school’s administrator. It is estimated that there are over 2,000 independent schools in Canada. Our last stop on this journey takes us to Jamaica.
Jamaica
Jamaica’s population is currently 2.8 million people. Jamaica has had a history of private education. At the primary level parents with the economic means usually send their children to preparatory schools where school fees range from $40,000 to over $100,000 per term. In the past the ability and means to send one’s child to preparatory school is usually an indicator of social class as well as economic standing. However, this has changed over the years since those parents whose wealth is of recent origin might not necessarily have the social pedigree as old wealth class. According to the Education Act 1965, independent schools means any school at which education is provided for twenty or more students between the ages of eight years and nineteen, not being a public educational institution. The Independent Schools Regulations, 1973 addresses in more detailed the framework which guides private education. Jamaica, unlike Denmark allows for individuals to own private schools. Part 11 of The Independent Schools Regulations 1973 sub-section 5 states, “Every application for registration by a proprietor of an independent school shall be made in writing addressed to the Registrar of Independent Schools, Ministry of Education, National Heroes Circle, Kingston, or such address as the Minister may notify in the Gazette, and shall contain the particulars specified in the Schedule and shall accompanied by, a simple sketch or diagram of the school premises; simple floor plan of the buildings; a copy of the school’s prospectus; particulars of the fees for tuition in respect of each course; particulars of boarding fees (if any) for each age group of grade; and such other information as the Committee may from time to time require for the purpose of these Regulations.” Section 26 of the Education Act 1965 provides for a Committee of Independent Schools. The duties of the Independent Schools Committee include consideration for applications for registration of independent schools, as well as, to deal with representations made to the Committee in respect of notices of complaint served.
Social Indicators
The life expectancy in Canada is 82 years while the country's GDP is $52, 218. The GDP in Denmark is $46,000 and the life expectancy is 79.4 years. Jamaica’s GDP is $9,000 US and the life expectancy in Jamaica is 73.6 years. The homicide rate per 100,000 in Canada is 1.68 while in Jamaica it is 43.21. It can be argued that parents all over desire the best education for their children. Education is a business and the cost of providing education whether publicly funded or private continues to increase. Ultimately, the parent has the responsibility to select the best option for their child's education. In the words of Mahtab Narsimhan, a good education is the greatest gift you can give yourself or anyone else.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in
development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
Canada
Canada is the largest country in North America. The country has a population of 36 million people. There are ten provinces in Canada, these are: Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan. There are also three territories, these are; Northwest, Nunavat and Yukon. All education is overseen by the federal government but the onus is on provincial governments to govern funding and academic regulations which vary from province to province. Whether a school is public or private it must meet stringent requirements of federal or provincial regulation. The majority of privately funded schools in Canada are religious-based. Private schools are accredited by bodies such as the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Canadian Association of Montessori Administrators (CCMA). Private schools in Ontario and Nova Scotia whether they are operated as business or non-profit organizations do not receive any financial support from the government, however, five other provinces do. British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec five funds to eligible independent schools based on criteria such as hiring certified teachers and following the provincial curriculum. In Canada, there is a difference between private and independent schools. Private schools are usually for profits institutions. Independent schools are usually not for profit and are governed by a Board which is separate from the school’s administrator. It is estimated that there are over 2,000 independent schools in Canada. Our last stop on this journey takes us to Jamaica.
Jamaica
Jamaica’s population is currently 2.8 million people. Jamaica has had a history of private education. At the primary level parents with the economic means usually send their children to preparatory schools where school fees range from $40,000 to over $100,000 per term. In the past the ability and means to send one’s child to preparatory school is usually an indicator of social class as well as economic standing. However, this has changed over the years since those parents whose wealth is of recent origin might not necessarily have the social pedigree as old wealth class. According to the Education Act 1965, independent schools means any school at which education is provided for twenty or more students between the ages of eight years and nineteen, not being a public educational institution. The Independent Schools Regulations, 1973 addresses in more detailed the framework which guides private education. Jamaica, unlike Denmark allows for individuals to own private schools. Part 11 of The Independent Schools Regulations 1973 sub-section 5 states, “Every application for registration by a proprietor of an independent school shall be made in writing addressed to the Registrar of Independent Schools, Ministry of Education, National Heroes Circle, Kingston, or such address as the Minister may notify in the Gazette, and shall contain the particulars specified in the Schedule and shall accompanied by, a simple sketch or diagram of the school premises; simple floor plan of the buildings; a copy of the school’s prospectus; particulars of the fees for tuition in respect of each course; particulars of boarding fees (if any) for each age group of grade; and such other information as the Committee may from time to time require for the purpose of these Regulations.” Section 26 of the Education Act 1965 provides for a Committee of Independent Schools. The duties of the Independent Schools Committee include consideration for applications for registration of independent schools, as well as, to deal with representations made to the Committee in respect of notices of complaint served.
Social Indicators
The life expectancy in Canada is 82 years while the country's GDP is $52, 218. The GDP in Denmark is $46,000 and the life expectancy is 79.4 years. Jamaica’s GDP is $9,000 US and the life expectancy in Jamaica is 73.6 years. The homicide rate per 100,000 in Canada is 1.68 while in Jamaica it is 43.21. It can be argued that parents all over desire the best education for their children. Education is a business and the cost of providing education whether publicly funded or private continues to increase. Ultimately, the parent has the responsibility to select the best option for their child's education. In the words of Mahtab Narsimhan, a good education is the greatest gift you can give yourself or anyone else.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in
development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
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