Chris Cargill of the Mountain States Policy Center provides details of the analysis provided by the Education Psychology Review’s new research
Chris Cargill
Mountain States Policy Center
Another anti-choice argument has fallen.
New research from the Education Psychology Review indicates students who attend private and parochial schools perform much better when it comes to obtaining well-rounded civics knowledge.
Analysts looked at four different categories to make their determination:
- Political tolerance – an individual’s willingness to respect the rights and opinions of people who are different from them
- Political participation – a person’s willingness to engage in the activities of self-government
- Civic knowledge and skills – a set of understandings and abilities widely viewed as conducive to self-government
- Voluntarism and social capital – one’s involvement in activities that benefit the broader community and the depth of one’s community attachments
The meta-analysis looked at the results of more than 60 studies from across the globe. In total, the data shows many more positive than negative results.
“Religious private schooling, particularly, is strongly associated with positive civic outcomes. The evidence is especially strong that private schooling is correlated with higher levels of political tolerance and political knowledge and skills. We discuss heterogeneities, robustness checks, and implications.”
Some claim that, because public schools are government controlled, they can do a better job at producing civics outcomes. In fact, those opposed to school choice have often used this argument, saying that choice would “destroy democracy.”
But civics education has been downright disastrous in the United States, especially over the past decade. The 2022 testing released by the National Assessment Governing Board showed only 22% of eighth graders were proficient in civics.
A well-rounded education is about more than just test scores. Schooling has a critical role to play in nurturing an informed, tolerant and democratic citizenry.
Are public schools meeting that standard?
Also read:
- Opinion: Were Republican voters just sleeping during the August primary election?
CCRP Chairman Matt Bumala says 60% of primary no-shows in the 17th and 18th districts were Republicans. - Opinion: WA Cares’ launch showcased care WA Cares did not provide
Gov. Ferguson showcased a caregiving arrangement at the WA Cares launch that the program had not paid for a single day of. - Opinion: Portland’s War on Cars Part 4 – A smarter automobile strategy to end gridlock
O’Toole argues fuel wasted in Portland-area congestion has sextupled since 1982, generating 250,000 tons of extra greenhouse gases annually. - Opinion: The Tooth Fairy’s secrets to making brushing & flossing magical
Delta Dental of Washington’s Tooth Fairy Experience offers free resources to help children build lifelong brushing and flossing habits. - Opinion: Transit ridership trends are dismal but regional plans are oblivious
Puget Sound transit passenger-miles fell 31% from 2015 to 2024 despite a half-million-resident population increase.
