There are two stories in today's papers on Senator Obama's plans for education as the Democratic presidential nominee. (Has Clinton conceded yet?)The first comes from the Washington Post. While the story is framed broadly around domestic policy and the headline ("On Policy, Obama Breaks Little New Ground") has a clear negative connotation, it offers up a hint of what's to come on education now that the campaign can see the light at the end of the tunnel:
Heather Higginbottom, who runs Obama's policy office at the campaign's Chicago headquarters, cited education as one area in which Obama offers ideas that are not traditionally Democratic, arguing that the problem is not all about schools or funding, but about parents who let their children watch too much television. She said his proposal to give teachers bonus pay if they receive special training or if their students score high on standardized tests is an idea that some liberal-leaning teachers unions oppose. And she said the campaign has brought "fresh thinking" on many issues, particularly on one of Obama's favorites: increased government transparency.
But Higginbottom said the campaign's emphasis is on practical solutions, not ideological points. "I know it's interesting from a political perspective to look left, right and center, but we want to put forward ideas that will move forward in Congress," she said. "And we have the potential to engage people in a way they haven't been engaged recently and give them the tools to participate."
David Axelrod, Obama's top political adviser, said that the campaign will devote more staff members to policy (there are now seven) and that the senator's speeches will increasingly highlight his proposals.
"The next six months is going to be about competing visions for this country," he said. "Obama is looking forward, and his policies will reflect that."
The second story comes courtesy of the Denver Post's coverage of an Obama campaign stop in Thorton, Colorado yesterday.
Obama used the town-hall event to tell about 400 people about his plans for education reform. He promised to fix the "broken promises" of No Child Left Behind, make math and science instruction a national priority, and encourage every child to learn a foreign language to better compete in a global economy.
While praising the goals of No Child Left Behind, Obama has criticized the program for not providing the funding to make it successful.
"We also need to realize that we can meet high standards without forcing teachers and students to spend most of the year preparing for a single, high-stakes standardized test," he said.
The Illinois senator said he would simplify the application process for financial aid for children going to college and give a $4,000 tax credit for students attending public universities and colleges. In return, the students would be required to do 100 hours of public service a year.
He also vowed to create a Service Scholarship program to recruit talented people into teaching and place them in overcrowded districts or struggling
"I will make this pledge as president to all who sign up: If you commit your life to teaching, America will commit to paying for your college education," he said to cheers.
For more on Obama's education policy plans, check out his official campaign web site here.
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