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The Bush presidency brought forth new educational benchmarks and a revamping of the standardized testing system. The No Child Left Behind Act left many children behind; especially minority students and children of working-class America. As the Bush presidency winds down and a new president is to be elected there needs to be more conversation about education.
We are now in an era where education is vital to our advancement in the world. The United States, once known for its prowess in science and math, is no longer envied for its education. American culture now tends to value athletic accolades and music’s revolution.
In recent world news, the United States remains in the same spot as it was nearly five years ago – 26th out of 30 in math and science among teens. Twenty-sixth? The United States is known and has been known for decades for its educational superiority, but now we are being passed up by the likes of Finland, France, Canada, and Japan.
Although both major presidential candidates have an education reform stance as part of their platform, the candidates need to convince the college students of today– who are also the parents of the not so distant future – which America will be on the upswing by the end of the next decade. These candidates need to convince the people lucky enough to get an education to work towards securing the education of the next generation and all subsequent generations because knowledge is power.
College costs are through the roof, educational demands are greater than ever, degrees don’t mean what they used to, early education programs need to be increased, and special needs students need better resources. The next president must deal with all of these issues concerning education as well as some that have not been mentioned. The next president will decide which direction the education of our children is headed. We can only hope that the education received by either John McCain or Barack Obama will steer them to make the clear choice.
We are most affected by the cost of higher education issue. On average, private 4-year colleges cost $23,712 per year, which is 6.3% more than it was last year. While a public 4-year college is considerably less, averaging $6,185 per year, those prices are also on the rise as more students are choosing to go to college. College loans, because of the continuing credit crunch, have become scarce and some students are even turned away from lenders because the loans just do not make sense for them. Also, because of this, the loans that are being given out have extremely high fixed interest rates with some being as much as 8.4% on each loan. This substantial number means that you will be paying off your higher education long into your thirties or even forties.
When voting for a candidate this November 4th, make sure you take a look at his stance on education and what he will do to rectify our standing in the world in math and science and how he will help you and your family afford college. Education is the #1 priority for succeeding in the future. Make sure you understand how your candidate will affect your education and your future. Remember to go out and vote November 4th at your local polling station or remember to send in your absentee ballot to have your voice heard this election! |
