Obama links to national security issue, and says that there must be more investment and more oversight. He points to early childhood education and rewards systems for teachers. He also pushes college loans, with his community service program which would provide $4000 for 100 hours of service.
McCain sees it as a choice and competition issue, and as a civil rights issue. He wants to reward teachers who do well, and find bad teachers a “new line of work”. He also stresses that the schools with most funding are often some of worst performing. And wants to adjust student loan eligibility.
Obama claims that money left behind for no child left behind under Bush. He says he doubled number of charter schools in Illinois, a claim no doubt waiting to be disproved.
“America’s youth isn’t an interest group, its our future,” Obama says on mccains plan not to do more for college students.
McCain stresses spending issues, especially in DC public schools where most funding exists. He says there must be reform and that he won’t throw money at problem, and wants vouchers.
Obama agrees that DC is messed up, but that vouchers not way to go.
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