Education is one of the most important issues facing our nation. As a teacher, I have a unique perspective on a lot of the issues impacting our education system. I'll address a few of those issues below, and answer questions you all have.
(And, of course, a link to my ActBlue page.)
No Child Left Behind
NCLB has been a disaster. I know only one single teacher who has anything positive to say about the program, and he is the local Republican party county chair. We need to spend more time teaching our children, and less time teaching them how to take tests.
If a school is struggling, NCLB blames the teachers and takes funding away from the school. I know how hard most teachers work to help their students, and to blame teachers for any shortcomings is unfair. Additionally, schools that are struggling need more help, not less.
Helping students make college more affordable.
I met a young man the other day who had been accepted to Notre Dame, but chose not to go because there was no way to afford it. Why is it so difficult to afford an education in this country?
Interest on student loans is about twice as high as it used to be, and grants for college students (such as Pell Grants) have had their funding slashed. We need to reverse these trends. Grants should be much easier to obtain, and interest for student loans should be much lower--and students who spend time after graduation in public service should have even lower interest rates. We should also provide incentives to businesses which help their employees pay for education.
I'm excited to answer your questions.
--Richard