How do private and public school academics compare?

By Thomas Fudge / Science and Technology Reporter, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published July 24, 2006 at 9:00 PM PDT

This story was published more than 18 years ago.

A recent study indicates students in public schools perform as well, academically, as those in private schools when adjustments are made for income and race.

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that public school students perform as well, academically, as private school kids when adjustments are made for income and racial background. Does this study tell us there is no academic advantage to putting your kids in a private school?

These Days host Tom Fudge speaks with UCSD professor Julian Betts about the many factors and influences that cause kids to do well or poorly in school. He also takes calls from listeners about the pros and cons of private versus public education.

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Guest:

Julian Betts . Professor of economics at UC San Diego and Senior Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California. He's written several articles about the factors that influence a student's academic performance.