If you’re wondering what Tuesday’s results might mean for education reform, here is a quick overview of races to look out for (you can access the FULL Election Night Guide here):

The White House — The top ticket is worth watching for education reformers, as candidates have different views on whether federal dollars should follow success or be awarded based on promises to pursue various initiatives.

Senate — These elections could bring about FOUR extremely pro-education reform candidates to the U.S Senate.

Governors — There are several gubernatorial candidates in the race this year who if elected would further enhance the pro-reform landscape. Perhaps most importantly, all these gubernatorial candidates are likely to stand up to teachers unions. READ MORE

November 6, 2012: Election Day!

The debates might be over, but commentary and coverage are sure to heat up as November 6th gets closer. We’ll be tracking the coverage and commentary here:

My View: Why Mitt Romney is a better choice for education reform
Jeanne Allen on CNN Schools of Thought Blog about how education would fare under a Romney administration.

Education Reform in the Next White House
CER brings you a quick overview of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) event.

Call Me Maybe? Democracy Prep Students leave out the maybe and urge you to “Vote for Somebody”!

No doubt you’re as tired of all the ads as we are, but in this great nation, having the opportunity to vote for one’s precious ideals is such a gift that we all tend grin and bear it! Another thing we tend to grin and bear is the condition of our schools, which remain in trouble, and despite tremendous progress over time, are not delivering the kind of education our children need and deserve.

But you can do something about that this Election Day. The time is now to help elect Education Reform on Tuesday, November 6! The resources on the right will help you figure out if candidates are reform-minded or not.

While education is up for a vote in every state through the candidates you will select, if you are in Georgia, Idaho, or in Washington state, you have major initiatives that need your attention:

• Georgia – YES vote on Georgia’s Amendment 1 ensures continued parental options through charter schools.

• Idaho – YES on all 3 education questions means reform, and the unions want you to vote no so that they have more control over your child’s education.

• Washington – YES on charter schools in will introduce this reform to parents and educators in the Evergreen State for the first time be far more well-equipped to get out the vote against charters in the past.

READ MORE

It’s important that you assess the positions and potential effectiveness of those seeking your vote — be it President, Congress, governor, state legislature, local school board or any other locally elected office that influences education reform. Knowing how much you care about these issues, here is a quick and easy guide — a Meter! — to measuring the real reform pedigree of the candidates.

Click here for the Candidate Education Meter Guide

Soon the presidential candidates will meet for the last time to debate and with the topic focused on foreign policy, one may be tempted to think education has no place in the discussion. But one would be wrong. There are at least two critical education questions that should be addressed.

QUESTION 1: A recent report from former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former Chancellor of New York city schools Joel Klein found that “Educational failure puts the United States’ future economic prosperity, global position, and physical safety at risk.” The task force behind the report argued that too many young people are not qualified for the military because they do not have an adequate level of education. Do you agree with them and how would you address the issue? READ MORE…

Post-Debate Reactions and Commentary:
Once, I Went to a Foreign Policy Debate … and an Education Fight Broke Out
A few highlights from the foreign policy debate, where both presidential candidates recognized the link between education and national security and competitiveness.

Fact check: Romney’s claims on teachers unions
Los Angeles Times reporter looks into Mitt Romney’s assertion that parents and students come first and that “the teacher unions are going to have to go behind.”