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