What school to choose for your children?

If parents can afford private education, then it would be preferable to apply to private school, this is a common recommendation I always hear when I ask parents’ opinion. It is evident that private schools have a number of advantageous over public schools. The number of children in class does not exceed fifteen children; salaries of teachers are higher and schools functions five days per week. It is clear without saying that there is a huge difference between public and private schools in Kazakhstan. Differences are so obvious and puzzling so that I consider them as two different planets, where rules, environments, teachers are differ markedly from each other. Unfortunately, majority of people cannot afford private schools due to a high fee rate. That’s why many parents force to send their children to the schools where quantity of children outnumbers three times, where children have to study in 2 or 3 shifts and where average amount of children per each class is 28 students. 

If we start comparing two schools then at the end we will come to the conclusion that private schools are better than public schools. Let’s find out to what extend it is true. Payment for teacher’s labor in private is considerably higher than in public. This cause competition increase among teachers and hiring the most qualified educators. In private schools the learner-centered approach as well as systematic correction of learners’ knowledge is mandatory no matter how weak is the student. This effective approach helps to encourage students who demonstrate low scores. Another privilege of private schools is conducting five days per week study, which provides opportunity for parents to spend more time with their children during weekends. Additionally, school can have a transportation service to and from schools which is very convenient for parents. The range of extra-curricular activities helps children to expand and develop their knowledge. Up-to-date sport facilities and security are also in the list of advantageous. Moreover, students stay full day at school and are provided with hot meals daily.

Unfortunately the situation in majority of public schools is opposite than in private schools. Public schools struggling with exceeding numbers of students, lack of professional and burden of teachers’ work. Teachers perform duty as a tutor, physiologist, and subject teacher for a tiny salary. It is impossible to handle all three jobs at the same time. Viewing imbalance between two schools, policy makers along with key stakeholders should urgently take measures to improve the situation in public schools. Otherwise only children of wealthy people will have a solid education. As a recommendation I would suggest to receive payments in public schools so to make parents, teachers and administrative to be accountable. Another option is to make enrollment for students on a competitive basis. However, this may negatively affect the families of children with low income; they can be lost from education at all which will influence to the increase of uneducated human capital. Alternatively, the number of students in classes should be decreased to 15 children. Doubtless, increase of salary to teachers is the predominant issue that should be tackled promptly. 

 In this regards, I would like to hear your opinion about how to make public school more successful and effective.