In the context of a former job in the sector of the fight against school dropout, I defended, with dissertations and political approaches, equal opportunities in education and the importance of valuing public schools. . I tried hard not to judge the parents who turned to private school by repeating to myself that it is absolutely absurd to have to choose between the collective interest and the interest of one’s own children. The education system as we know it (three-tier) is to blame, not the parents.
Without a school-aged child at that time, I had underestimated what it was like to be faced with this ethical dilemma. Above all, I had underestimated the false choice of several parents who do not master the ins and outs of our education system or who do not have the financial resources allowing them to opt for something other than public school. of their neighborhood. I had also underestimated the amplitude of the gap of social inequalities which appears too early and which widens over the course of the children.
Having a daughter today who will start kindergarten on Monday, I see how our system fails, or simply refuses to provide the same opportunities to all children. As we know, the contours of inequalities in education are traced from the outset by the absolutely insufficient access to early childhood centers (CPE). They continue to emerge when it comes time to enroll in primary school. Many parents enter their child’s name in raffles for alternative schools or free-choice schools; the lucky ones have their names drawn. Some, who have the necessary financial means, choose private school. All the others opt for the public school in their neighborhood; out of spite, ignorance, principle or love of it.
I made the choice of the public school of the district, especially by principle. However, at the dawn of the new school year, I am forced to note that the public system also generates its share of inequalities, which materialize in several organizational and logistical aspects, starting with that of school materials. For many parents, receiving the list of school supplies to buy is simply a shopping opportunity, which can, of course, have its share of inconveniences.
But for others, it means having to take steps, sometimes tedious, with organizations to obtain the necessary assistance to obtain the materials required by the school. For still others, this list is synonymous with significant sacrifices, often on basic needs. The purchase of school supplies is thus likely to generate stress, anxiety and shame.
The public school therefore reproduces social inequalities by this requirement to purchase compulsory school supplies, whereas it should rather contribute to leveling them out by providing the necessary equipment for all children. With that, I’m going to finish identifying the school supplies (with labels that we should preferably buy) and buy the necessary to make healthy lunches and zero waste within the reach of some parents, but presented as an injunction . Have a good comeback!