Their Views, Our Kids: The 2008 Presidential Candidates' Views on Education

Super “Duper” Tuesday – “Hot Button” Topics for Parents

If you are like me, you are still undecided as to which candidate you feel will be the best choice for President. While I thought I was certain, things happen, and…well I changed my mind (I think). I decided to take a look at the candidates’ positions on a topic that matter most to me and other parents like me across the country, education. “No Child Left Behind” is a “hot button” education topic addressed by the currently-leading candidates. For purposes of length (and not to bore you to tears) I have chosen to highlight only the three leading candidates on each side and their views on the “NCLB” law, as well a few other highlights of their education strategy.

“No Child Left Behind” was signed into law by President Bush in 2002 requiring every state to test students annually. Schools failing to make academic progress over several years could be closed or have their faculty replaced

What the Democratic candidates say:

• Hillary Clinton is calling for a “total change” in the “NCLB” law to allow the states to have more flexibility in measuring student progress.

Clinton proposes to increase the Hope Tax Credit and make it available for 4 years of college instead of the current 2. She also proposes to adjust federal loan programs so students can borrow at lower rates and an expansion of the Pell Grant. Clinton is opposed to school vouchers and outlines a universal Pre-K program through a federal-state partnership.

• John Edwards says the “NCLB” law needs to be “radically overhauled”.

Edwards’ “College for Everyone” program includes: making it a national initiative; overhauling the student load program by allowing students to borrow directly from the Department of Education; simplifying financial aid by eliminating 2/3 of the questions; and hiring a college counselor to help students in low-income high schools choose college-track courses and navigate the admissions and financial aid process.

• Barack Obama was not in office when Congress passed the “NCLB” law. He would like to see more money for schools and to move away from traditional testing that is used to judge schools.

Obama proposes a tax credit for tuition and fees and as well as simplifying the financial aid application process by eliminating the current student aid form altogether. Obama's "Zero to Five" plan seeks to support children and their parents by emphasizing early care and education for infants through “Early Learning Challenge Grants” for states and helping them move toward voluntary, universal pre-school.

What the Republican candidates say:

• Mike Huckabee says that “While there is value in the "NCLB" law's effort to set high national standards, states must be allowed to develop their own benchmarks.”

Huckabee is a strong supporter of public school choice and believes that music and the arts are essential, referring to them as "Weapons of Mass Instruction." Huckabee also highlights the need to test teachers as well as students, replace teachers who aren't competent, and impose reasonable waiting periods for teachers to gain tenure.

• John McCain refers to the “NCLB” law as a “good beginning”, but feels that the law is flawed, particularly when it comes to testing students with disabilities and non-English speaking students.

McCain believes schools can and should compete to be innovative, flexible and student-centered, not safe havens for the uninspired and unaccountable. He believes we should let them [schools] compete for the best teachers, hire them, and reward them. McCain suggests empowering parents with choices to send their children to the school that can best educate them.

• Mitt Romney believes that the “NCLB” law has played an important role in stressing the role of accountability and high standards in improving our schools.

Romney believes the education system works best with more local control of schools. Romney also seeks to provide a Federal tax credit to help with the expenses of parents who home school and pledges to focus efforts in fields like math and science.

Theodore Roosevelt said “In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the worst thing you can do is nothing”. As a parent, it is our responsibility to do the research on the issues most important to us and our families, lead by example and make a choice by voting on Tuesday, February 5^th, or whenever your primary may be!