Final answer:
The movement toward increased private sector involvement in the management of public agencies is a trend where services like education are outsourced to private entities to enhance choice, competition, and efficiency. Charter schools and school vouchers are examples of such privatization in education. The effectiveness of this approach remains subject to ongoing debate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The movement toward increased private sector involvement in the management of public agencies, including schools, refers to a shift in the provision and management of government services to private, for-profit entities. This trend has been gaining momentum since the 1970s and encompasses various forms such as the creation of charter schools, offering school vouchers, and full privatization initiatives like the case with Sallie Mae. Advocates argue that this increases choice and competition, potentially leading to innovation and improved efficiency in services. However, critics often voice concerns that privatization may not adequately serve public interests and can lead to inequalities.
Examples include the creation of charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately run, and providing school vouchers that allow public funding to be used in private schools. Additionally, contracting out services to private companies, issuance of government vouchers for formerly government services, and full divestiture of government services into private hands are methods of privatization. Notably, full privatization is rare at the federal level but more common at state and municipal levels.
It is essential to consider varying viewpoints on this issue. While some research indicates that additional school options through privatization can improve educational outcomes, there is also a growing body of evidence suggesting that private provision may not necessarily enhance education access, quality, or equality. The debate continues as to whether the balance of evidence supports privatization as the best path for effective education provision.