Sunday Soapbox: A Debatable Commitment to Education Reform

Like so many others, I watched the presidential debate Wednesday night. And, like so many others, I have opinions about how it went. The moderator, the President, the Governor…all left me feeling certain things. But you don’t turn to the ol’ Engaging Educators blog for political commentary. So I will spare you those opinions.

I do, however, feel compelled to mention my response to a relevant topic that was mentioned several times during the 90-minute affair–education. By an un-scientific “Control-F” search of the debate transcript, I found about 25 mentions of the word “education.” Ranging from “invest in education and training” to “improve our education system” and other innocuous statements to more specifics such as giving kids more choice in the schools they attend. There was even a specific question about education, which to me is a big deal.

However, I need to sound off because it gets very frustrating to hear the candidates talk about education like it’s some sort of hot-button issue that will actually get any attention after November 6th. It’s frustrating to know that it’s something to talk about in a vague way without any specifics whatsoever as a way of showing the electorate that you care about our country. It comes across as two guys blowing smoke, talking about something that everyone knows they really aren’t going to do anything about.

Now, I know there was Race to the Top and I know that even though lots of folks had issues with it (me included) that at least it was something that came out of the federal government in an effort (and a sincere one, I believe) to help reform the system. And I know that Governor Romney did govern a state that does very well on tests, so I’m sure something right was happening there. (Maybe.) But I desperately want to believe that I’m going to be voting for someone who is going to actually do something about the education system in America. Someone that’s going truly make reforms to our kids get the education they deserve. Less talk, more action…I suppose in a nutshell that’s what I want. And I also want to believe you when you’re telling me you’ll make improvements. I’m desperate for that.

Join us tonight for #urbaned chat on twitter at 9PM Eastern. We’ll be talking education reform…what we need and why.

photo credit: Photomatt28 via photopin cc