The Obama campaign made a stop for education in Thornton, Colorado last week by visiting the Mapleton Expeditionary School for the Arts (MESA) and then giving a great speech about the need for education overhaul. He was introduced by former Colorado Governor Roy Romer, who was also the Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District when I was a teacher there!
Obama highlighted the importance of the connection between teacher and student saying, “the single most important factor in determining their[students'] achievement… It’s who their teacher is.” And then he went on to offer his support for those who commit to a teaching career, by pledging, “If you commit your life to teaching, America will commit to paying for your college education.”
Perhaps the most important thing he said about service was this:
And when our children do succeed, when we have a graduating class like this one where every single student has been accepted to college, we need to make sure that every single student can afford to go. As president, I will offer a $4,000 tax credit that will cover two-thirds of the tuition at an average public college and make community college completely free. And in return, I will ask students to serve their country, whether it’s by teaching or volunteering or joining the Peace Corps.
Obama has often stressed his plans and expectations for Americans to participate in national service, but has yet to endorse the Academy. Now is the time for him to do so! He is the presumptive Democratic Nominee and the Academy bills are ready made for him to co-sponsor. Call and ask him to do it today!
Fence-sitter responded on 16 Jun 2008 at 2:58 pm #
67 Democratic co-sponsors.
7 Republicans, by my count.
Seems less bi-partisan than we’re told. Now, why is that?
Of course that’s because it’s difficult to justify $200 billion dollars worth of creating an academy to address a problem of poor incentives when that sort of appropriation would do the trick immediately
Justine Hebron responded on 16 Jun 2008 at 3:08 pm #
Not $200 billion, although I would love to see the excellent work we do with that kind of budget! Actually more like $250 million range. These bills bills are bi-partisan as public service affects all citizens not just Red or Blue ones. We could use your support!