McCain vs. Obama on Education in the Final Presidential Debate
Wednesday October 15, 2008
I was impressed tonight by how much detailed attention was paid to the issue of Education in the third and final presidential debate tonight. In previous debates, Education got merely passing mentions. Tonight, however, a lot of specifics came to the forefront in the final question of the evening.
I've excerpted McCain's statements and Obama's statements, so that you can compare the comments head to head. I've highlighted the most interesting and/or significant sentences.
What are your thoughts on the candidates' statements? In your opinion, who won on the issues, such as vouchers, NCLB, "bad" teachers, college loans, and teacher recruitment?
Comments
I personally do not either candidate is “out of touch” when it comes to education. We (America) need to improve and it is obvious. That means ALL parties involved – Parents- Teachers – Schools – Districts and Government. Obama is right, these kids are the future. Teachers are fighting an uphill battle on little salary, little appreciation in many cases and little support. Most middle class families have 2 working parents because that is the only way to struggle to keep their heads above water. They do not have the time and energy to do their part and help educate their children at home. Children are being raised by schools all over this country, by overworked underpaid, teachers that easily feel the burn out. Until we have an economy that will allow the average parent (not the wealthy) to actually be a parent this problem is not likely to go away. In my opinion McCain is out of touch with what the average US citizen encounters on a daily basis and what they need in terms of educating their children.
Diane is ‘out of touch’! Teacher’s average pay in my small state is over $45,000.00 a year and that’s for less than 40 week’s work. I don’t know many ‘middle class’ people areound here who get paid over $1000.00 a week. Many people think they need two income because they think they need way too much stuff and way too big houses. If they valued their kid’s education as much as they do their annual cruise they could have more time to be good parents.
Diane, thank you so much for your comment. It is absolutely true. I am from Europe, and I have many friends from the States who are teachers at schools, colleges, and universities. Most of them are not happy because of the low salary, lack of time to dedicate to their families, and the behavior of the students in class. I do hope things change in the States. Thank you!!!
Do your homework. Obama is only 8% black. Follow his money and you will be enlightened. He is very partisan and extremely liberal. This country will go downhill even faster with him in office.
I agree teachers need to be paid more. i am a high school teacher in Florida. I have the highest in the counties FCAT rankings yet get paid the same as a teacher that plays movies weekly. 1,000 dollars a week would be a huge pay increase for me!