It is that time again when political candidates begin to fight for the support of educators. Eight of the presidential candidates met with the National Education Association (NEA) in Philadelphia.
As expected, the candidates said just what the teachers wanted to hear. Illinois Senator Barack Obama was a popular speaker. He carefully discussed merit pay (which teachers are usually not in favor of). He placed a softer edge on the issue by promising to give teacher input to the topic. His idea was to work with the teachers and ease into the process together.
Republican Mike Huckabee also gained support when he suggested that every student in every grade should have music and art classes. Many of these type classes have been cut or eliminated in schools either due to budget or focus on math and reading. Huckabee is not an advocate of merit pay for teachers.
Joseph Biden spoke to the group about his idea of equal funding for all schools. He believes that rich schools and poor schools should receive the same funds because they are accountable for the same tests. He also claims that he can fund preschool for everyone, give teachers a pay raise, cut class sizes, and give students more Pell grants. What else could teachers ask for?
The No Child Left Behind law established by the Bush administration was attacked by all of the presidential candidates except for Huckabee. Huckabee admitted that the law had done some good. However, he did suggest that the law should be more flexible.
As the time grows nearer to the election, it will be very interesting to hear more ideas and promises of each of the presidential candidates. Education is usually a major topic in each election. Candidates address the concerns of teachers and schools and make pledges on how to solve them. While I am uncertain that any one person can solve all of education’s issues, it is our duty to the children to listen and vote with their best interest at heart.
Related Articles
Use of Race in School Admission
No Child Left Behind and Special Education
No Child Left Behind Expires in One Year
NEA President Requests No Child Left Behind Reform