How can we give students options when their public schools are failing them?
What exactly is NCLB and how is it effecting our education system?
How do we ensure that all children are prepared to enter kindergarten?
Why are we struggling to recruit and retain teachers? What reforms do the candidates propose to solve the teacher shortage and improve their working conditions?
With a struggling economy, should lawmakers place further emphasis on federally-funded school-to-work programs? Moreover, do they work?
Who are the key players changing education today?
Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP)
Candidate Perspectives on Charters and Choice
Democrat Barack Obama is committed to “do what works for the kids” and wants to replicate what is already successful on the local level. While he supports charter schools over vouchers, he supports vouchers in school systems where they are already shown to work. More info.
Democrat Hillary Clinton promotes charter schools, and proposes the Investment for Tomorrow’s Schools Act to fund new charter schools. Clinton does not support vouchers, stating that she “strongly oppose[s] voucher schemes that divert precious resources away from financially strapped public schools.” More info.
Republican John McCain promotes competition between schools for the privilege of educating students, using vouchers, charters, and homeschooling. He primarily supports the use of vouchers, arguing that “all federal financial support must be predicated on providing parents the ability to move their children, and the dollars associated with them, from failing schools.” More info.