Key features of marketisation in education include:
- Increased choice for parents and students: Families have the freedom to select the school that best suits their needs and preferences, often based on factors like academic performance, location, or specialized programs.
- School autonomy: Schools are granted greater autonomy in managing their resources, budgets, and curriculum, allowing them to tailor their educational offerings to meet the demands of the community they serve.
- Performance-based funding: Schools receive funding based on their performance and outcomes, such as student achievement, graduation rates, or value-added measures.
- Accountability: Schools are held accountable for their performance through regular evaluations and assessments, and those that fail to meet certain standards may face consequences such as reduced funding or even closure.
- Private sector involvement: Private entities, including for-profit organizations, may become involved in the provision of educational services, such as running charter schools or managing school districts.
Marketisation in education has both supporters and critics. Proponents argue that it introduces healthy competition, encourages schools to improve their quality, and gives parents more control over their children's education. Critics, on the other hand, express concerns about increasing inequality and segregation in education, the potential for profit-driven motives to override educational goals, and the erosion of public education as a common good.
The impact of marketisation in education is complex and varies across different contexts. While some studies suggest positive effects on student achievement and school performance, others highlight negative consequences such as increased disparities and reduced equity in access to quality education. The effectiveness of marketisation in improving educational outcomes remains a matter of ongoing research and debate.