As the Presidential candidates take to the stage tonight for the final debate on domestic issues, many reformers are wondering if we’re going to hear a real discussion on education – the most important domestic issue of our time. The last time President Obama and Governor Romney went head-to-head we were pleasantly surprised that “education” was mentioned quite often, more so than in any other presidential debate ever. However, neither candidate truly used the forum to fully discuss their vision for how to improve education in America.

Last week, we posed some questions to the Vice Presidential candidates education reformers would like to hear addressed. And since the word “education” was barely even uttered, we will pose some of them again – along with one or two others – for this evening’s debate. READ MORE…

The VP Debate: Another Good Night for Ed Reform?
Last week’s Presidential debate was a pleasant surprise from the perspective of this veteran education reformer accustomed to sitting through years of debates, listening to candidates talk about important issues like the economy, jobs, and national security with a barely a mention of the building block for the solution to all of those problems – EDUCATION.

President Obama and Governor Romney proactively peppered comments on education throughout their discussions, giving the American people a pretty good idea of their different positions on the topic. As we look forward to tonight’s Vice Presidential debate, I hope that Vice President Biden and Congressman Ryan follow the lead and make education a major topic in the debate. I want to hear more about the two tickets’ vision for education in this country. Read More…

Read up before you view the debate with these additional resources:
DREAM VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE QUESTIONS FROM EDUCATION REFORMERS
Questions for Biden and Ryan about money following the child, NCLB, class size, differences between Romney and Obama on education issues, Race to the Top, and teachers & their unions, as well as some additional information that might provide context for debate viewers in the event these questions are raised.

Paul Ryan: Education Pioneer
Romney’s VP pick Paul Ryan staffed the committee that evaluated options for the District of Columbia before school choice and charters were even a glimmer in their eyes,

Read More …

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

Read More …