Concerned About Presidential Candidates? It’s the Governors Who Will Truly Make the Difference for Education
Education50 Voter’s Guide to Parent Power Reveals Deficiencies in Majority of Candidates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC — Today the The Center for Education Reform (CER) released its annual Voters Guide. The Education50 Voter’s Guide to Parent Power is primarily designed to empower the public with information on governors and state education chiefs whose positions are most likely to ensure meaningful changes in education, so that all learners at all levels have the chance to achieve the American Dream.
“Knowing which candidates would be most likely to fight for parent power is a must,” said CER Founder and CEO Jeanne Allen. “While the nation obsesses over their differences in the presidential election, let’s remember that our Founders gave education powers to the states.”
Assessing candidates’ current or potential positions on educational opportunities and improvements in the teacher profession, the Education50 Voter’s Guide to Parent Power grades the candidates and summarizes their positions based on their viewpoints and actions on the following:
- The proliferation of expanded education opportunities – public and private – that do not confine students to schools within their zip code and that ensure flexibility to allow for innovation.
- The expansion or development of teacher quality initiatives that strengthen the teacher work force, raise the bar on performance and ensure strong but fair evaluations that allow teachers to be paid well for doing good.
Of the 13 states that elect their state education chiefs, five are holding elections next week. Twelve states will be voting on a new governor. The voters guide reveals that among all gubernatorial candidates, fewer than half earned grades of A or B for their positions, while most earned Cs or below.
“The states were once the leaders in bringing about parent power and innovation, across tri-partisan lines. We must be willing again to elect officials who are ready to take the tough action necessary to put children ahead of adult jobs in the implementation of policy if we are to help all citizens succeed,” cautioned CER’s Allen.
To learn where candidates stand on critical education issues, visit https://staging.edreform.com/education-50.
About the Center for Education Reform
Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that the conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education.
As a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to great opportunities for all children, students and families, The Center for Education Reform does not endorse candidates or take political positions, but will always recognize and applaud those who advance sound education policies.
