Democratic presidential candidates on education

[Peter Campbell <campbellp@mail.montclair.edu>]

If anyone is holding out hope that a Democrat occupying the White House 
would make a difference, I have bad news.

Obama - pay teachers more based on performance
"High-performing teachers would be eligible for pay increases of 10 to 
20 percent of their base salary. These innovation districts would be 
required to implement systemic reforms and show convincing results."

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/

Clinton - classic neo-liberal position on the purpose of education, 
i.e., to make kids more competitive in the global economy
"This Congress will reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act and we 
must use this opportunity to make the changes needed to provide all 
children with the quality education they need for success in the 21st 
century economy. We have learned a lot in the past five years about how 
children learn, what teachers and parents need to assist them with 
their children’s education, and how federal policy can effect that 
change. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions 
Committee which will lead efforts in the Senate to reauthorize the law, 
I will strive to improve accountability and standards in education 
particularly in math and science, increase quality and professional 
development for teachers and principals, improve instruction for 
English language learners and, guarantee that all children are educated 
in schools that are equipped for the 21st century."

http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=267291

Edwards - the lesser of the three evils
In this clip, mentions that we should not be "testing ourselves to 
death," that he has never met a teacher who likes NCLB in its current 
form, that we should pay teachers $80,000 per year to attract and 
retain the best teachers, and that we should focus on improving early 
childhood education. But does not mention specifics, and does not make 
a direct connection between poverty and education, despite the fact 
that eradicating poverty is the centerpiece of his campaign.

http://blip.tv/file/124045