During last night’s first presidential debate President Obama and Governor Romney mentioned education 20 times. Here’s some of what they had to say.
President Obama
I want to hire another hundred thousand new math and science teachers and create two million more slots in our community colleges so that people can get trained for the jobs that are out there right now. And I want to make sure that we keep tuition low for our young people.
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We’ve seen layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers over the last several years, and Governor Romney doesn’t think we need more teachers. I do, because I think that that is the kind of investment where the federal government can help. It can’t do it all, but it can make a difference, and as a consequence, we’ll have a better-trained workforce, and that will create jobs, because companies want to locate in places where we’ve got a skilled workforce.
Governor Romney
I happen to believe — I want the kids that are getting federal dollars from IDEA or — or Title I — these are disabled kids or — or poor kids or — or lower-income kids, rather. I want them to be able to go to the school of their choice. So all federal funds, instead of going to the — to the state or to the school district, I’d have go — if you will, follow the child and let the parent and the child decide where to send their — their — their student.
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How do we get schools to be more competitive? Let’s grade them. I propose we grade our schools so parents know which schools are succeeding and failing, so they can take their child to a — to a school that’s being more successful. I don’t — I don’t want to cut our commitment to education; I wanted to make it more effective and efficient.
Read the complete transcript of last night’s presidential debate here. Watch the entire debate here.
NEA Endorses Obama
In the presidential election, President Obama and challenger Governor Romney have starkly different views on many issues, including education. Visit EducationVotes.org, for a comparison of where the candidates stand on the issues that matter to America’s educators.
CEA Endorses State and National Candidates
CEA has endorsed candidates who support and advocate on behalf of students and teachers. Read about the endorsement process, and review the endorsed candidates for the State House of Representatives, State Senate, and U.S. Congress on CEA’s website.
