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Discussion-Activity: Revolution in Milwaukee1. Who are Robert Smith and Anteria Wright? Why are they highlighted in this article? What are the differences, if any, in their daily routines, outlooks on life and educational opportunities? Why did Anteria's mother opt to remove her from a private school that accepted vouchers? How does Robert's mother feel about his private school education using the voucher program? 2. What are school vouchers? Why do you think that they are so controversial? Which states currently have school voucher programs? What opinions do the advocates and the opponents of school vouchers hold? What do you think of the school voucher program? Give reasons for your position. 3. What are some of the problems facing the Milwaukee Public School System? Do you think that school vouchers alleviate some of these problems? Explain. Annette "Polly" Williams proclaims, "What I'm fighting for is that no matter what the color, what the income, all children deserve the best." Is she for or against school vouchers? State your reasoning. 4. Have students think about the school situation in their community. Basing their opinions on information they know or can gather about class sizes, teacher supply, test scores in the schools and reputation, have students form an opinion on the following question: Should our community offer school vouchers to private schools? Allow the class to debate the issue by placing the advocates and the opponents together. Be sure that they use proper debating procedures so that both sides are heard. If time permits, allow students to poll parents in their community to get their opinions on school vouchers. Students may report their findings to the class. Extension: Students can research the issues of school vouchers using media or online resources to find out the pros and cons. Upon completion of the research, have students divide themselves into the advocates and opponents of school vouchers. Each side should present their case, either individually or in groups, to the class. RELATED SITES: Online NewsHour: School Vouchers--November 27, 1998 |