By Ashleigh Turner
Education is an ever-changing landscape. Whether it be curriculum changes, behaviour management changes, or technological changes, this space is constantly moving and adapting to the state of the world.
Something that a lot of us might not think about is how much of a direct impact the Government has on our educations system—once you realise it, it feels obvious. We, as students, are trained to blame ourselves and our teachers before ever blaming the Government.
Jane Caro did an incredibly good job at opening my eyes to the fact that each and every problem we have in public education is due to the Government making mistakes. Over, and over, and over.
Rich Kid, Poor Kid is an expository essay that takes us through quotes and statistics that cover the last few decades of educational legislation. It opens our eyes to the way that the Government has been failing parents and their children—and by extension, failing itself.
Through consistently deciding to fund private schools over public schools, the Government has created an education crisis. It’s starting to look like only the well-off “deserve” to be educated. However, the Government used to be all for public schools—in fact, they created them! How could this possibly be the direction we’re heading in? This is what interests Caro in Rich Kid Poor Kid.
Caro examines the benefits of public schooling and walks us through how all the wonderful things about public education are essentially being trashed to allow for the rise of private schooling. She talks about how students in the public classroom are directly impacted, and not for the better. Parents pour money, time, and energy into their children’s future. Teachers pour their blood, sweat, and tears into their work—yet according to the Government, this isn’t enough.
It’s really a thought-provoking debate, especially for those of us interested in politics, education, and the future of our country. Caro is no-nonsense, listing argument after argument for public education, and listing reason after reason why it’s terrible that Government has essentially given up on the education system.
“A strong, well-resourced public education system, supported by all but a privileged few… is the mark of a civilised, well organised nation working to respect, protect and enhance the lives of all its citizens.” – Jane Caro, Rich Kid, Poor Kid; the Battle for Public Education
My favourite thing about this essay is that Caro doesn’t leave us hanging onto some depressing note about how society going downhill and there being nothing we can do. Because there is something we can do. Plenty, in fact. The last third of the book is Caro listing solution after solution.
If you care about the future of Australia; if you care about students being given the opportunity to reach their potentials; if you care about making a difference; this book is for you. It will interest you, shock you, and then motivate you to learn and to act.
