The deal as I see it: Comparing "programs" to public schools is not a bad thing, especially when trying to point out the problems with "programs." The real fact of the matter is that public schools are simply places where public school students go to learn: they are a fact and neccessity in any civilized and advanced society. "Programs" make the claim that they help the "students" learn in generally two ways: School, which is general credits of middle and high school, and possibly college, that are similar to those that of public school and it usually takes form correspondence credits. The "program" aspect of these "programs" is in the form of rules, "consequences", seminars, and much more assorted bullshit. The School part of the "educational focus" is seperate but partially integrated with the "program" part.
In public schools there are rules, but only neccessary ones for the general function of the school and the NORMAL process of education: learning about the world not "learning about yourself." Yet, "programs" also incorperate learning about the world and school at the same time but are seperate entities within the "program." enough babble... SO, in comparison, public schools use classroom type learning with homework, "programs" use correspondence style learning where it is at your own pace. Public schools do not focus on the "learning about yourself"(aka brainwashing and indoctrination) bullshit "programs" do.
SO, public schools are a lot more common than "programs" and are a unchangable fact of modern society. The comparison of how many people die in "programs" vs. public schools: in "programs" many more kids are susceptible to depression and suicide based on the horrific living conditions imposed on them, they are more likly to be at risk of danger in the process of running away, when restrained (which is often unneccesary or with excessive force) they are subject to injury or death. Other angry or depressed students may because of the living conditions, become homicidal and suicidal. The staff of these "programs" are often under-qualified lkeaving the "students" more at risk to abuse and just about any other danger. In public schools the biggest risk is the danger of other students hurting eachother and school-shootings (which are rare). Public schools are run by qualified professionals removing the risk of neglect, and often there are police patrolling. There are difficulties comparing "programs" and public schools because the former doesnt have a "program" aspect which adds a lot more risk of injury and death. I also say that the notion of how many kids are saved by "programs" outweighs deaths is complete bullshit: there are many more absolutely effective solutions to kid's problems other than these hell-on-earth money machines, "programs" will put the money first, and ultimately one death is too many...
peace. ::rainbow::
