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Barack Obama on Education

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by Education.com
August 1, 2008
Topics: Politics and Education, more...
Barack Obama on Education

Americans voted in Barack Hussein Obama as president of the United States in an election weighted down with the harsh realities of a down-turning economy and two costly wars. Now that the dust is beginning to settle, many Americans are wondering what the new president will do to improve their children's education.

Throughout his campaign, Barack Obama has said he plans to take a fresh, objective look at the age-old debate over education issues. “A truly historic commitment to education – a real commitment will require new resources and new reforms,” Obama says. “It will require a willingness to break free from the same debates that Washington has been engaged in for decades – Democrat versus Republican; vouchers versus the status quo; more money versus more accountability. And most of all, it will take a President who is honest about the challenges we face – who doesn’t just tell everyone what they want to hear, but what they need to hear.” Where does Obama stand specifically on the most pressing education issues? Here’s our cheat sheet on education according to Obama:

Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is stuck in the crossfire in the debate over accountability, and Obama has stepped up to take aim. He says that too often standardized tests fail to provide valuable or timely feedback. Meanwhile, “creativity has been drained from classrooms, as too many teachers are forced to teach to fill-in-the-bubble tests,” Obama says. He doesn’t go so far as to say he’ll drop testing completely; it should be one of the “tools that we use to make sure our children are learning. It just can’t dominate the curriculum to an extent where we are pushing aside those things that will actually allow children to improve and accurately assess the quality of the teaching that is taking place in the classroom.” How does he plan to revamp testing? “I will provide funds for states to implement a broader range of assessments that can evaluate higher-order skills, including students’ abilities to use technology, conduct research, engage in scientific investigation, solve problems, present and defend their ideas,” says Obama.

School Choice

Obama says his focus is on providing good schools for all kids, and that's why he does not support vouchers that allow parents to use public school money for private school. “We need to invest in our public schools and strengthen them, not drain their fiscal support,” he says. “In the end, vouchers would reduce the options available to children in need. I fear these children would truly be left behind in a private market system.” Obama is more open to charter schools working within the public school system, calling them “important innovators” which improve healthy competition among public schools. However, Obama says there need to be strong accountability measures in place.

No Child Left Behind

Obama's catch phrase for this topic is, “No Child Left Behind left the money behind,” meaning that unfulfilled funding promises have limited the program's effectiveness in improving public education. He says while the goals of No Child Left Behind are right, the way they’ve been implemented is wrong: there needs to be better assessment and a greater effort to ensure that every child has a successful teacher. “Particularly at a time when our nation is facing a shortage in teachers due to retirement and retention problems, it is important to ensure that we can attract, support, and retain high-quality teachers,” he says. How does Obama propose we do this? By experimenting with alternative preparation, mentoring and professional development programs, in addition to providing fresh incentives for serving high-need schools. Specifically, he plans to provide funding for 200 new Teacher Residency Programs, an idea he introduced in the Senate last year. In these programs, individuals completing coursework for teacher certification could serve as apprentices in the classrooms of veteran teachers, as long as they pledged at least three years of service in the sponsoring district.

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62 comments

Comments from readers

  1. Feb 11, 2008
    christine Izyk says:
     This is the best idea for our schools,alot of schools are lacking and in order for us to compete ,we need A great. universal preschool is a great idea as a mother of a 4 year old who is in a headstart preschool,I see the great work of Headstart all the time butalthough it is federally funded it needs a system to reach the parents of disadvantaged children . we do our best but need more funding for outreach in our community.this seems to the best choice for America in a long time   go Obama!!!!
  2. Feb 20, 2008
    Young Working Single Mother says:
    I don't see how Obama can remove vouchers while the school systems still "need work" as he puts it. Even if the schools were "fixed" what about choice of religion? If we want a religious education for our children, we feel the need to send them to a religious private school. If I'm paying tax dollars to the public schools that my children aren't attending, then why shouldn't I get a voucher for their private school busing expenses?
     
    Not only that but where is the funding coming from for the universal preschool? It's a terrific theory but there's no explanation as to how it will take place. Having a universal preschool is like adding another school system to each district. More teachers, board members, aides and assistants, not to mention their salaries to boot. Then we're back to the same issue discused his his "No Child Left Behind" but now for the youngest and most impressionable students.
     
    Sorry Obama, these are nice theories but you've got nothing notions to back them up with.
  3. Feb 21, 2008
    Mrs. Layne says:
    How can you be against something you've never experienced?  The Government of the United States failed me when the School failed to educate our daughter.  They failed my belief in the system.  
     
    The "No Child Left Behind Act" didn't leave the money behind; it left the kids with disabilities behind.  The schools don't care if a child falls behind or not.  If a child doesn't meet their expectations or pass the SOLs they reccommend alternative schools.
     
    Alternative schools are not the answer.  My child doesn't have behavioral problems, she is simple hearing impaired, vision impaired, with visiual perceptual problems, and audiotory processing problems.  I have 5 medical doctors that tell me on every visit how well or daughter is doing.  I provide the money for this not the schools.  I provide and give her thearpy not he schools.  These doctors have also told me how the school system would not support her needs.  
     
    Before you make statements in reference to take away someone's freedom from making a choice of a school for their child, you need to get your facts straight.  
     
    After all the governement gives money to the school system no matter if the child attends.  They recieve money simple because the child leaves in the district.  Yet the schools don't give help nor support to children in need.  
     
    Our taxes a portion goes to the school system no matter if our child attends, yet the school does not give support for children in need.  So why should we pay taxes?
     
    The more disabilities a child has the more money the school receives, yet the child with the disabilities doesn't get any extra help, which gets pocketed into the schools to go on unnessary things.
     
    So don't stand up and say what you believe and support is right because it's not.  After all our child was left behind when the "No Child Left Behind Act" was introduced.  It's a fancy saying that means nothing to me.  I've seen how promising it really is,  which is not at all.  
     
    The one thing I'm sure of is you will NOT recieve my vote!
     
    Sincerly,
     
    Homeschooling mom and advocate for children with disabilites.
     
     
  4. Mar 9, 2008
    lisa says:
    I wish nclb was gone.  It has really done quite the opposite for my dyslexic daughter.  She was held back in second grade because she couldn't read well enough to take the taks test and almost again in the 5th grade.  The only good thing I see about nclb is that it makes the teachers accountable for the students failing.  That pushed my childs reading teacher to continually work with my daughter through her problems with dyslexia.  I will vote for Obama.I like his views on trying to implement mental health for our returning soldiers who may be traumitized  at war.
  5. Mar 10, 2008
    Cindy says:
    i am a student in middle school and i totally agree with obama's views on education and standerized testing especially. many students are very bright; they just too nervous and expectations from parents and teachers sometimes put way too much pressure on them. we need a better testing system for students to show their creativity and intelligence.
  6. Mar 11, 2008
    Dell says:
    No child left behind should be gone, but for the exit exams they should be limited to the students ability to take it well (meaning special educational students). change it for them.. because of their mental stabilities.
  7. Mar 24, 2008
    tharik ahamed says:
    iam a student in collage and iam agree for bright obama idealogy education and standerised testing and his methodlogy many student very bright a create the inovativeskill but we need better eduaction system to show intelligence and creativity
  8. Apr 17, 2008
    Pete Durruthy says:
    More attention, respect  and worth should be given to teachers. Whom are paid bellow their wort and education. Teachers should be paid at least at par with engineers and other hi-tech professionals. Without teachers there would not be engineers, doctors, and lawyers. Currently teachers are punished for being teachers if one is to become disabled he/she will not qualify for Social Security disability and this is a sgame. How can we attract qualified, motivated, and dedicated edcators of our children treating these professional educators in this manner? May God bless Amrica and its citizens. Pete Durruthy
  9. Apr 23, 2008
    Juanma says:
    As most Europeans I'm looking forward to seeing Obama's victory, since I feel there's a full human being behind the politician and I think he will defend effectively his nation's interests without humiliating most nations, including America's own allies
  10. Apr 23, 2008
    dominique says:
    i love your plan so much
  11. Apr 23, 2008
    ya mom and dad says:
    WE LOVE YOU!!!
     
    YOUR DOING A GOOD JOB KEEP IT UP
  12. Apr 26, 2008
    t- says:
    How about our college students? Those who are trying to get an education by being honest on their federal aide applications.  I am so upset that we have been denied assistance.  My husband and I work hard to make a living for our (5) children.  We can't get any assistance based on our income, but there are people out there who lie to get assistance, such as reporting only one parent's income.  Is there a medium? What about the people who are honest? What about the families who are not rich and not poor, just caught in the middle?  What about us?  We need you, Obama to really make a difference in every aspect of our lives.  You can do it. God bless you.
  13. May 1, 2008
    Concerned says:
    Homeschooling mom, me, rayan lets put facts before feeling lets talk about what we know. These children will be tested all throughout thier lives.  The man is not asking for your vote who wants someone on their side that does not want to be and to attack him with your personal feelings is very immature of you all especially you seasoned ones. Wake up the job is not getting done teachers are not paid what they need to be paid and students on all levels are not learning. You all don't want the change because you would not be able to adapt.  We want the change because we are tired of adapting. Only God knows the outcome and since we are all here able to blog he has never failed any of us yet.
  14. May 10, 2008
    dick foster says:
    This 75 year old white male strongly supports Barak Obama for President and have from the start.  Others are simply part of the old bureacracy with connections, favors, lobby friends with special interest.  As a retired federal employee with many years in Wash. D.C., and a long time instructor of Governmental Law, We badly need change.  We need to reprogram the war funding, the past tax cuts for the wealthy, the subsidies to oil companies, and special Congressional budget add-ons for their district.  We must serve the national needs and interests in education, tax policy, balanced budget, environmental concerns, alternative enercy.  He is currently our only hope and chance.
  15. Jun 5, 2008
    Muobo E.Newkirk says:
    May God continue to protect Obama all the way and remove evil doers from his way.
     
    We suggest that he should have secret service protection at all times.
  16. Jun 7, 2008
    anon says:
    As far as education goes has anyone ever asked the educators what they see?  Teachers can not perform miracles.  All children CAN learn  but there has to be a desire there first. Most  parents do not support their children in their education.  Some appear to do so but in reality, as their child fails , they do nothing. A good education is a partnership between home, school and community. What is a teacher to do when a child does not pay attention, or do the work that is assigned, or do their homework?  You can't open their heads and pour the knowledge in. You can't make them do well. All a teacher can do is to present the information in as many ways as time allows and hope the students grab hold of it.
  17. Jul 20, 2008
    Anonymous says:
    who is going to pay for all of this Obama? Oh yeah, our tax money will pay it. why would I support these ideas when my checks are already too small after taxes as it is. All of you who vote for him will not fit in any of these special situations once he becomes president anyway. Good luck to you all.
  18. Aug 6, 2008
    George Rodriguez says:
    I think Obama will be a great president for the americans, we really need to change the way we treat education, not only in the states in the whole world.
  19. Aug 16, 2008
    Teacher NC/OH says:
    As an Educator in the subject area of History I feel that NCLB should be gone as well! After ten years of teaching the creativity and critical historical facts have been eliminated from teaching. Example: we teach very little Native American studies. All we have time to do is TEACH to the TEST. As Americans we need to know the who, what, when, were, and why of how America became America. As teachers our hands are tied we have to meet the state standards or face the consequences. I believe strongly in an exit exam for all students but this must be the same throughout the entire US. Testing students on the basics of reading, writing, history, and science. Yes students need to be 21st century learners but if they can do the basics the technology will come. They are apart of that generation. It is so sad that Juniors and Seniors in 2008 do not know who the VP is or how many stars are on our flag or if Africa is a country or a continent. The blame of failing Education can not be placed entirely on the teachers parents and school adm. must step up and help with discipline and positive attitudes that education is important and is the key to our future. If feel that Obama is the change America needs and we need positive and productive change not other "BUSH".
  20. Sep 5, 2008
    Aresha Calhoun says:
    Change is to come and it is coming slowly but surely this man is the man who is going to bring us change the world's JOSHUA
  21. Sep 8, 2008
    Martha says:
    Obama rocks my little world and he also makes my world huge!!!!!
  22. Sep 9, 2008
    momtothree says:
    Since he's not for vouchers, I hope we can expect him to enroll his own two girls in our public school system.  

    Put your girls where your mouth is Obama, and show how much you REALLY support public education.  It would go a long way to show you care, especially to us parents who can't afford to get our kids out of poorly performing schools into private schools like you can.
  23. Oct 7, 2008
    respondent says:
    Well this is my theory on education, I understand that my tax dollars go to public schooling and I also understand that some schools are not preparing our children at the level they should be, however, I believe that all parents should be held responsible for their childs education as well.  Parents themselves could take classes that would benefit themselves and their child in all subjects, maybe your child would excel if you had just as much education as his/her teacher.
  24. Oct 19, 2008
    boxermom says:
    I am a teacher, and I don't see anything revolutionary in Obama's plan. NCLB, while a nice idea, is a miserable failure. It failed to address those students with special needs, and let's face it, if we have a society of all college bound people, we will be neglecting the needs we have in the trades and service industries. We should be looking at the European model of testing and tracking in order to give our young people a chance to become productive members of our society, thereby reaching their personal potential. The problem with NCLB is not just funding!!! It is a steaming pile of bipartisan garbage.
  25. Oct 25, 2008
    Anonymous says:
    Obama's education plan is commendable.  Education is suffering in America due to a number of factors, and he has hit one of the main problems on the head: TESTING!!!  What does standardized testing really accomplish, except to compare students against other students?  The testing does not even measure the improvement of individual students since the results from year to year are not compared with the same students who took the test last year, but to the new students who take the test.  Testing may be a good idea, but it is far from decent right now.  Teachers have to teach to the test, and are not able to truly educate the students.  My best teachers have been those who will discard their lesson plans for a day to talk about something important - like the presidential election in math class - because they know it will help us.  When are we really going to need to know how to graph the function of x, and find the domain and range?  Yes- it teaches students problem-solving skills and all, but should we really be tested on that?  Should the focus of the class be on these trifles, or should it be on making us well-rounded educated contributing Americans.  
  26. Oct 25, 2008
    Anonymous says:
    And about voucher schools.  Can't you see segregation rearing its ugly head again?  Picture an inner city environment.  A large African American population.  A number of gangs.  A group of white families.  Here is a chance to choose your own school.  Well, these white families do not want their kids with those students involved in the gangs.  So, the white students go to this school.  The black students go to that one.  Granted, this is a generalization.  And in no way am I trying to stereotype, saying black people are in gangs and white people are not.  Gangs affect and are a problem with every race.  I am just trying to present an example of a disadvantage of voucher schools.  People want their students to go to a school where they think their child will be safe and fit in and all.  Race, although it may not be openly admitted or realized, is a factor in all of this.  And what about the parents who, sadly, don't care about their children?  Where will they go?  To a school seperate from those whose parents who really care about their children wll go.  So now, you will have a school -of whites, blacks, hispanics combined - of students who do not have the same motivation and support, and again, this school will fall behind the others.  Equal opportunity?  I don't think so.  I guess this is more a critique on McCain's plan for vouchers, but still. . .    
  27. Oct 25, 2008
    Anonymous says:
    I was reading over a few of the comments and would like to emphasize a few.  First of all, teachers cannot force students to learn.  Students have to come willing and able to learn.  And, whoever brought up this point, I applaud you because it is imperative to understand.  I cannot tell you how many times I have been in class and a student is unable to grasp a concept, but the teacher has told them they cannot help them; they have to move on.  They tell the student to stay after class or after school for help.  Why?  Because they have so many topics to cover to prepare their students for the testing the students must pass.  But, what if that student has a job, or a sport after school, or family or religious commitments?  Now the student cannot get the help they need.  They grow discouraged and eventually disengaged in class.  This is reality!  This really happens!!!  I am a student and have seen it.  Also, why don't we stop trying to make all of our schools private and voucher schools and focus on making our public schools stronger.  I have gotten a wonderful public school education and have had no desire to make my parents pay tens of thousands of dollars to enroll me in a private school.  Public schools can work, but they won't work on their own.  We need to work to get them to work.  
  28. Oct 30, 2008
    Anonymous says:
    to mrs Layne
     Obama just states that the ideas for the no child left behind act were good, not the way they went forward with the plan itself, so how about you get your facts straight
  29. Nov 13, 2008
    Dusty's Momma says:
    I am a single mother, full time worker, and a full time student. I am Caucasian and a preacher's daughter....and yes, I voted for Obama! The focus on improving the math and science educational areas at every age, as well as finally admitting that Iraq wants us to leave, are big things to me. My father fought in Vietnam in a war that wouldn't end because we wouldn't leave and now it is happening again.
    McCain lost me when he said "I don't know anything about the economy and I don't want to," during the primary debates. Instead of proving in the months since that he wanted to help us out with the economy, he only further proved to me that he didn't represent me in any way. His choice of Palin as a running mate, and her numerous on camera blunders, showed that the entire campaign was reactive, not proactive. We have been reactive for far too long. It's time to be proactive for a change.
     
    Hooray for Obama!
  30. Nov 13, 2008
    Anonymous says:
    Preschool Teacher/Student/Aspiring Highly Qualified Teacher,
     
    I have been working with urban area students for the past 2 1/2 years. I try my best to teach my students many different subjects and important issues while also building character, I have learned that most of my students are not familiar with structure, I strongly feel that early childhood and preschool teachers need to teach our children to value their education at an early age, when children are learning effectively at an early age we are teaching them to form a behavior that will benefit them when they continue their education in the future, I love Obama's idea regarding alternative programs for preparing highly qualified teachers, I am currently achieving my BA in Health Ed with a minor in Education this spring 2009
     
    My experience as a preschool teacher has motivated me to learn more about elementary education, I hope to join the Boston Teacher Residency program in order to become an effective teacher before being placed in an urban district, I have no problem with helping those in strong need because I was once that child who felt that education was a waste of time, focus, and energy, therefore I can relate to urban school students on a personal level, I had some boring teachers who were less concerned about my academic achievements, but this one special education teacher went the extra mile for me on a personal and academic level, I was not placed in special education because of a learning disability, I was placed in special education because of my unwillingness to excel, sometimes all it takes is that one teacher to motivate our children to reach for their true potential
     
    let's not forget that most of our urban school students are facing so much grief within their home base, this is why we also need more passionate teachers who want  to truly encourage those students who are facing many hardships, we do not need teachers who want their summer vacations, and all these paid holidays, and luxurious benefits from being a teacher, yes teachers have it tough do not get me wrong, but do not become a teacher when it is something that your not passionate about, all this does is allow our students who need dedicated help to continue to be left behind and that is not fair to our children, please pray for me because my calling for teaching was revealed to me several years ago and I tried my best to deny it, but GOD has the last say in all things, prepare me so that I can do what other teachers are less willing to do, it will not be perfect, but give me the strength to endure
     
    people please keep in mind that O'bama and his administration are human beings, I did not vote for O'bama because he is black, I voted for O'bama because there is a possibility that his policies can make things a bit better than they are now, let us see what happens when things are placed into motion, nothing will change overnight, but let's be more open minded and realistic about things, it does not matter who was elected president because everybody will never ever be pleased or satisfied and that is the reality, let us as a nation focus on doing better than what we are doing now, never be content with anything, always reach for more while being humble and less greedy, learn to be of service to others while expecting nothing in return, peace & love to you all
     
    thanks for listening
     
  31. Nov 13, 2008
    Claudia says:
    What about those who GPA dropped.  Will Obama help those students as well?  I would like to finish my degree in Psychology.  I only have four more courses and I can graduate.
      I was dealing with my stepkids and the lose of my husband.
  32. Nov 13, 2008
    Melvina says:
    I am from the western region of Kenya, and i recieved this mail, concerning. how Obama can help you pay your tuation. I am a college student and can barly affort to pay my tuation. i have drop from school two senester now,because my parent don't have money to pay my tuation. How can i get this help from Obama.
  33. Nov 13, 2008
    Ankit says:
    This is the most important thing, school without an education. Still dont why education cost so much dosent make sense. So how can people be able to stand on thier two own feet. I'm gald OBAMA making this his first prodity its reason why I VOTED FOR HIM. IT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BEEN TAKEN CARE OF A LONG TIME AGO.
  34. Nov 13, 2008
    Kayla says:
    well I'm not sure Obama is the "man for the job" but now he has to be considering he was elected. I am in college and all this talk is great but I am worried it is just talk I'm not going to congratulate him on a job well done until the job is well done, and it hasn't even started yet. I hope he does help pay for college because it's not right that if we put our futures on hold to get an education but in the end all we get is an armload of debt and spend years trying to paying it off.  
  35. Nov 18, 2008
    Lisa m B says:
    Okay, I am a college student NOW, how will this help me? I'm a returning student after 20 years graduating from High School, I have no source of income but disability, I am raising 2 children.  So I just was curious when this would take effect, because I definitly fall into the catagories stated in the article.
  36. Nov 25, 2008
    Barbara Van Wicklin says:
    To quote Barack "that is why he does not support vouchers that allow parents to use public school money for private school "  this is very interesting in that he has the money to send his girls to private school, but if feels if you don't have the money than you have no choice. Seems a little out of touch with the middle class, don't you think?
  37. Dec 5, 2008
    Not So Sure says:
    The $4k for the first semester of college sounds great, but I've read elsewhere that this money isn't free. One of the requirements is working 100 hours community service. The people who need this money most aren't going to have the time to fulfill this requirement because they will have to be employed at least part-time to pay for living expenses and the rest of their tuition.
     
    Being an engineering student, I fully understand his push for math and sciences. Engineering is one of the fast growing fields right now. But how can he encourage these subjects when he is cutting funding for NASA for five years? NASA is one of the premier employers of math, science, and engineering majors. So these students will graduate and have fewer opportunities for employment...  His ideas sound great on paper, but I'm not sure how they will work in the real world.
  38. Dec 11, 2008
    Lindy says:
    I sincerely hope we finally have a president that is able to work with all the members of the senate and house and finally bring our education system out of the dark ages of testing and teaching, especially our High Schools! How long have we known that teenagers don't function well before 9 am and yet we still send them to school at 7 am and how long have we known that early childhood learning reaped endless rewards and solid benefits to all children when they got into school and yet we've dragged our feet and underfunded and dropped these programs whenever times were tight? How long have we known that physical excersize and music and art programs stimulated brain functions that increased testing scores and yet they are the first programs to go when schools want to raise their test scores!! Maybe now that we have a thinking man in the Presidents office we will finally see some logic coming into our government rather than the good old boy beer drinking buddyism's and we'll finally star valuing our schools and the teachers who work so hard to teach our children.  We can only watch and wait and hope for the best I guess!
  39. Dec 23, 2008
    abbas sofwan says:
    Bravo Obama!!!!!
    Your planing for education is good and I will waiting for  your promisses!!!!
    "think and do the best"
  40. Jan 1, 2009
    S Allen says:
    I will admit that I did not vote for Mr. Obama.  I am a very conservative woman who has been teaching for 16 years.  I teach in a Title I school, meaning that there is a significant number of students in our school living in poverty.  
     
    I hope that I was wrong and Mr. Obama will be a great president.  I have no reason to think that he will not be. I voted based on personal beliefs, which I will admit were mostly religious.
     
    As for education, he will not be able to fix the problems that we have.  He can put money into it, try to get teachers pay raised, and all the good intentions he has, but none of it will change the fact that there is too much red tape to cut through during the 4-8 years he will be in office.    
     
    I work VERY hard in my classroom to teach my first graders to read.  I spend hundreds of dollars of my own money each year.  Still there is not enought time to do what I know needs to be done due to the constraints that are put upon me.  
     
    Let me tell you what REALLY stands in the way of me getting done what needs to be done.  It's not the kids, the parents, or me.  It's politics.  There are people who work at our district office who dictate what we do and what resources we have, and we do not get much choice of what goes on in the classroom.  These people usually have very little teaching experience, and spend very few hours observing their plans in action.  They get their jobs based on WHO they know; not WHAT they know.  They do not care about the students we teach.  
     
    I need TIME TO TEACH.  A really good teacher can teach with a piece of chalk and a chalkboard if she really knows what she is doing.  I cannot jump through hoops and dance a jig and then be expected to work a miracle.  Teaching is actually pretty simple when you just get down to business and get it done.  Take away the PROGRAMS and POLICIES and just get your most experienced teachers to let you know what is the best way to do it, and we'll all be better off.  
     
    I hope Obama will work a miracle.  I am praying for him, because there is a lot standing in his way.
     
     
  41. Jan 20, 2009
    AngelaE8654 says:
    I hope that along with all these other programs, they are going to untie the teachers' hands and allow them to actually TEACH.  Teachers are expected to be all things to all people and when any little thing goes wrong, they are blamed.  
     
    I say we need to support the good teachers and give the the tools they need to do their jobs.
  42. Jan 23, 2009
    Drew Mckenzie says:
    I hope he knows what he is doing because i think this plan is pretty good and that he should fall through with it. Good Job Obama and his great staff.
  43. Mar 10, 2009
    DanGiaco says:
    If you support these core initiatives:
     
    -Effective, empowered teachers and school leaders;
    -Student assessments that stress 21st century skills;
    -Universal access to high-quality early education;
    -A safe, healthy learning environment; and
    -Affordable college for all students;
     
    then let President Obama know! visit EDVOTERS.ORG and sign the petition today!
  44. Mar 12, 2009
    whittney says:
    Im in the 10th grade, and I didn't get the chance to vote for Obama, but I really wished I got to. But I feel that he will change this country, it will take time, but I have faith in him.
  45. Mar 17, 2009
    David says:
    Mr. Obama needs to be better informed about international assessments and how the United States ranks.  Yes, we rank lower than other nations, but here we try to educate every child.  The United States ranks amongst the best in Elementary education, but the scores do drop in secondary grades.  The drop reflects that in other countries, students who have success in school stay in school and those that do not like school, drop out of school.  Consequently, students in the United States that must attend school are competing with students that like school.  The reporting of international rankings by news media is done in an effort to create discontent in our public.  Lets get better educated on the subject, before we take the news media's word as truth.  The president must do the same and identify what is wrong not with our teachers, but with way parents view education.  Eduation shoudl start in the home.  
  46. Mar 18, 2009
    bob tear says:
    well now what do you think of your wonderful president?
  47. Mar 18, 2009
    Anonymous says:
    your right hes gonna change the country, hes gonna ruin it thats what he is gonna do.
  48. Mar 19, 2009
    NayaBabiiz says:
    i think this is crazy
    hope yall know he want to change school hours longer and the day and the year we go to school
    kids wont have a life if he does that.
    just saying yall shoiuld think about it even though he is our president already i love obama nut this is too crazy to do that
    i am in eighth grade he better do something and fast aabout test scores
    thank you for reading
  49. Mar 20, 2009
    Prof.Dolores Faber PhD. says:
    Although I was not involved I saw "merit pay" in action. The men got first payout,Seniority was next,in alphabetical order.Non complainers were next.At another institution,the"name"researchers were first in line even if they put you to sleep in their class .Most people do not become teachers to get rich,& would teach whatever the pay. When a school is stuck with a dead beat,he/she was a political pay back or the supervisor was asleep at the switch and did not do an adequate job of supervising.Teachers share & do not worry that someone else will get the credit or "extra pay"It is very tough when you have to deal with a parent who has the best child on the planet, you do not agree & the head person will not back you up. I have been teaching since 1958.
  50. Apr 3, 2009
    stacey ashlund says:
    Local bay area folks who want to be involved in helping President Obama's plans for education become a reality are working together to make this happen - please join our group at http://www.sv4obama.com/group/education
  51. May 5, 2009
    Linda says:
    Hats off to my hero. I do hope his plan to expand the early education system works. But  I believe children should be a parents first priority, and I am using these terms based on my own decisions on becoming a parent. I am also an early childhood educator and has been dealing with minority families for the past 3 years. My children are faced with so many issues socially and emotionally ,It's heartbreaking to actually experience these situation on a daily basis. We in early education not only have to be nuturers but also educators and believe me its physically and mentally draining . Also the parents shows no empathy towards us and are very abusive to us when it comes to respecting us as professionals. I do hope Mr Obama find some way of holding parents responsible for their child's education.
  52. Jun 11, 2009
    Human/Citizen says:
    I am delighted beyond belief that Obama is President. However, now that he is, I am sorely disappointed in his choices for the top offices in the U.S. Federal Government. For one, Duncan is a huge disappointment. Second, Salazar has caved in. Need I go on? If Obama wants the U.S. to have the highest proportion of college grads in the world, then he should just say so. Get rid of NCLB and believe me, there will be more college grads than there is now. NCLB is a horrible law and needs to be trashed.
  53. Jun 18, 2009
    Troy Kerby says:
    Have 2 in college with 2 small children at home; was the poster child for why the old system did not work and now the poster child for why the new still does not work.
  54. Aug 27, 2009
    beatrice clancy says:
    This issue is related to higher education and the extreme expense that nee to be inccured by young adults before they even have a chance to start a life.  I havea question that seriously needs to be viewed and reviewd.  Why is it that productive young adults who will eventually become the future back bones of this country should have to PAY for their room and board.  Why is it fair that prison inmates get their room and board paid for by our government, BUT our young children/adults with enormous expenses have to worrie about paying for room and board also?????  This needs to be looked at with GREAT URGENCY!!!!
  55. Aug 27, 2009
    bea clancy says:
    The best way to get better  over all school and education score is by allowing teachers to teach.  Not just teach for and in preperation of standardized test scores.  This method of teaching and testing takes away from teaching true information and knowledge.  Teaching in prepration for testing denies children of true and useful education.  If the teaching is effective the test scores will reflect that.  Basing scores and results on teaching in preperation for testing is an inaccurate
    outcome and a false positive to academic acheivement.
  56. Sep 28, 2009
    jonny says:
    Unfortunately I believe it is our entire educational system that needs to be remodelled. Our children are being taught by underpaid educators whose lack of financial pay-off results in our children being told to get their homework from the schools websites rather than the educators actually teaching them. The school district my children are in dropped 16% in ACT scores last year, yet the school board voted and agreed to spend $2.2 million on a new sports complex. And now a new principal has stepped in to fill the shoes of the principal who resigned because she was tired of education taking a backseat (I'm thinking trunk more than backseat) to sports. The first plan the new principal implemented is a "No Homework Policy" to go along with the 4 day school week the kids already had.
    We wonder why the children of our generation are involved in drive-by shootings , gangs , teen pregnancy?
  57. Sep 28, 2009
    Jamelle says:
    I am teacher in Kansas and considering this plan for longer school days and years seems unbearable for my students in special education, as well for my colleges and I who work beyond our hours and pay to deliver quality education to our students as well as balance our home lives. THE PROBLEM IS NOT HOW MUCH TIME WE HAVE WITH OUR STUDENTS, ITS WHAT WE DO WITH THAT TIME. If we educate with quality and teach towards ALL students, our test scores would go up, and our children would be better prepared for their future. We don't need more time in schools, we need better educated teachers where instruction is lacking.
  58. Sep 29, 2009
    Caitlyn says:
    I'm starting high school this year, and if the president makes the school days longer, he's going to have to something about the amout of homework we have, too. I know that myself and a lot of my friends are staying up very late just working on homework, and we all have to wake up somewhere between 5 and 6 to get to school on time. Half of us are dead tired when we get to school, and if we're that exhausted, we can't learn well. I know that teachers aren't paid enough, and I know that I learn the best from teachers who care, and go the extra mile to enxure all of us are learning. I'm not against anything that gets teachers better pay and/or more supplies to better teach us, nor to help special-needs students (seeing as my brother is one, and most of my educational career can be remembered by the fights with the school for helping him), but putting us in school for more days and more hours is not the solution. By cutting out our summer vacation, students (or at least me) loose motivation for end-of-year finals, and we'll loose the oh-so-valuable social interactions and chances to catch up on lost sleep from the school year that summer break and summer camp offers. Better educate and fund the teachers and the special ed departments, and you'll see the results in the test scores. However, test scores aren't the only things we need to worry about. For well-rounded individuals, students need social interaction during breaks and weekends, extracurricular activities (which some students may not have time for if the schools are in operation longer each day), time for reading, writing, hobbies, time for sports, and time to just chill, or get to bed a little earlier. I think that if President Obama tries to make schools last longer, he will come up against some of the fiercest opposition ever, even stronger than what he is facing with the health care reforms. In summary, thank your teachers if you can read this, and if you want to reform education, don't make the school days longer; make the school days BETTER.
  59. Sep 30, 2009
    education.com says:
    Hi Jamelle & Caitlyn,

    Thanks for your comments about extending school hours. There is a JustAsk question that calls for community opinions on this topic, and your comments have been added as answers on that page:

    http://www.education.com/question/children-spend-time-school-school/

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
  60. Sep 30, 2009
    MC says:
    I support education reform.  I have thought about this for several years; the first thing that I think needs to be done is to remove a great deal of the bureaucracy and put the power, as well as the responsibility, for our childrens' education back in the hands of parents, teachers, and principals.  
     
    You cannot teach when you have your hands tied.  You cannot teach children when you must teach to a test.  You cannot teach when you have to constantly answer to three tiers of bureaucracy.  
     
    Think about it-- America produced its greatest innovation in a time when there was no national public school system and no mandatory attendance.  A time when teachers were hired, fed, and housed by the parents who wanted their children taught.  A time when people understood education to be a great, great privilege rather than a 13-year universal prison term.  
     
    I don't by any means favor the termination of mandatory attendance or of universal public school.  It's just a thought.
     
    Another thought is that I will not accept any extension of the school year or school day.  My second-grader gets on the bus at 6:30 am and gets off again at 3:30 in the afternoon.  She has half an hour to unwind, she does her homework, she eats dinner, she has about 45 minutes to spend with her parents and siblings, and then she bathes and goes to bed.  
     
    An extra half-hour in the school day would mean that we would have effectively no time to play games, talk with each other, work on projects together, or attempt to expand her eduation beyond the classroom to things like critical thinking or alternate points of view (which are certainly not taught).  
     
    Fifteen minutes is not enough time for a family to be a family.  It does not allow the passing along of knowledge or skills or the building of understanding or of strong bonds.  Barack Obama may view the school system as a "family of last resort."  I do not.  For some families it may indeed be necessary.  For mine it is not.  
     
    One more half-hour in the school day, and my children will all be home-schooled.  Even if I have to join a religion with which I do not agree to provide them with a community to be homeschooled within.    
  61. Oct 1, 2009
    dgraab says:
    Hi MC, Your comments about the extended the school day or year have been added to a JustAsk question on this topic here:
     
    http://www.education.com/question/children-spend-time-school-school/
     
    Thanks for sharing!
  62. Oct 2, 2009
    Jose Carlos says:
    I agree with Obama children need to have a good education to have the best start of life that's the only way the will devolope to responsible adults see for instance in the UK now the mentality is instead go to university and get a degree children are more looking forward to audition and join
    x factor 2009 boot camp  on this kind of trash reallity tv.

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