So much for equity - "free markets" in education definitely lead to a tiered system, as you describe. The reality, too, is that the charter and voucher operators make more by offering less - sure, they've got slick mailers and a principal with an Audi - but, special ed services or mental health help? Not so much. What about an across the board beef up of public schools? That's not exactly sexy, though, and foundations and profiteers don't "earn" from that.
So much for equity - "free markets" in education definitely lead to a tiered system, as you describe. The reality, too, is that the charter and voucher operators make more by offering less - sure, they've got slick mailers and a principal with an Audi - but, special ed services or mental health help? Not so much. What about an across the board beef up of public schools? That's not exactly sexy, though, and foundations and profiteers don't "earn" from that.