The First Presidential Debate
Candidates Square Off on Education: How Much Chicken in Every Pot?
Who knew education would come up repeatedly tonite?
Romney: After the president opened the debate about his jobs plan, Romney introduced the education component into the debate, combining jobs and skills, which come from education.
Obama: We have to improve our education system — we have a program called Race to the Top and now we are going to hire 100,000 math and science teachers.
Romney: I agree education is key to the future of our economy but we have 27 different training programs across government not working together. (we are fact checking this)
Obama: Says he inherited 18 programs for education that were well intentioned but not working for kids; that one teacher in NV has 42 kids and 10 year old textbooks. (we are fact checking this, too!)
This smattering of their words scratches the surface of an engaging, competitive conversation that highlighted education six times (at least) before the first 15 minutes were up and despite having been asked no direct questions about education.Read More…
A few helpful resources to serve as a primer of sorts as the candidates go head-to-head tonight in their first debate:
Presidential Candidates Focus on Education
In May 2012, both Obama and Romney turned their attention to education, signaling a new focus on education reform as a campaign issue.
Opinion: Schooling Obama
VIDEO: Jeanne Allen weighs in on parent power, education reform & the elections on WSJ Opinion Journal.
Where Do Romney, Obama Stand on Education?
VIDEO: Any president that doesn’t make education a central issue deserves a “C”.
School Choice is Key Issue in Election
National Journal piece noting school choice is where Mitt Romney and President Obama’s education plans differ the most.
GOP Convention Highlights Ed Reform; Now It’s the Dems Turn
CER is in the middle of a campaign to educate the public and politicians about what real education reform is and why it is crucial to the future our country. It’s heartening to see that some officials already understand that. With the need for education reform to be a national – not a partisan imperative – the Democrats must now ante up.
Post-Debate Reactions and Commentary:
Fact Check: On education, gains difficult to demonstrate
Los Angeles Times reporter Howard Blume investigates claims made by both parties about education during the debate.
RESOURCES
Find out if your candidates for Governor and Superintendent are real reformers at Education Fifty
A quick & easy guide –a Meter!– to help you assess where those seeking your vote stand on education reform.
Do you know how to spot a real education reformer? Find out with CER's Field Guide to Real Reform
Mandate for Change is a must read for policymakers and government leaders who want to fix America's failing schools.
How much Parent Power do you have?
Find out with Parent Power Index
Want to see real education reformers in action?
Go see the film Won't Back Down.
Got 5 Minutes? Take 5 Minutes and Take Back Your Schools gives you actionable tools to get involved now!
Follow CER on Twitter for reactions as candidates debate, and check back here for more after the debates are over!