Balancing Public and Private Schools: The Australian Experience and American Implications

Abstract

Australia has been touted as a model for how the United States might benefit by undertaking public funding of private schools. However, the advocates of this view have glossed over some very significant problems. A consideration of both the successful and unsuccessful features of the Australian approach suggests that Americans should be cautious about emulating this model. More broadly, cross-national research shows that a delicate balance in public policy must be struck if there is to be parity of esteem between public and private schools and equality of opportunity as well as excellence and choice in education. Because the policy changes necessary to achieve this balance are unpopular with both public and private school advocates, the political prospects for achieving this fragile balance are dim.