"School Vouchers" is a big issue that separates the candidates:  McCain (like Bush) supports vouchers, while Obama and Clinton are against vouchers.   Vouchers essentially allow parents to spend federal education dollars toward private schools even though private schools still get to decide who they will admit (and more importantly, who they will not admit), and even though private schools are not held accountable to the public in any way (no required standards or tests).  The result?  More money for private schools that predominantly serve the wealthy and easier (i.e. more profitable) kids;  less money for public schools and a disproportionately high percentage of difficult to educate kids in public schools.   This is a dangerous, slippery slope.  From a selfish point of view, some parents of kids who can get into private schools will be thrilled to have a discount (and private schools with scholarship programs can spend that money elsewhere).  But from a community point of view, are we strengthening our country by widening the academic and social gap between the haves and have-nots?  Just another example of the policies that help the rich get richer, while the poor have limited choices.   The sad part if that many wealthy people don't realize the importance of public education for all until they have a child with a disability, and they discover how private schools can pass on Special Education kids since they are less profitable.