Now that the field has been narrowed to two candidates, we can look closely at what they want to bring to the table. As the parents of three teenagers, education is a big issue to me so I decided to look at each of the candidates plans.
Early childhood education is a major focus for our two candidates. We see a commitment from both camps to insuring our kids get a fair running start.
The Clinton camp proposes an initiative that would encourage states to universally provide quality early education programs to all four year olds. This would allow states access to federal help to expand to younger children.
The Obama Camp touts it's "zero to five" program. This plan offers grants to states to help fund early education initiatives. A plan that would quadruple the number of children who would be eligible for Head Start, as well as a provision to ensure quality child care for working families.
Both candidates see the value in improving the way we create and keep teachers in America.
Hillary Clinton is committed to Recruit and retain thousands more outstanding teachers and principals, especially in urban and rural areas.
Barack Obama has a plan that would Recruit and prepare new teachers by pairing them in a unique mentoring program with experienced teachers and reward those teachers who reach a certain level of excellence
Both candidates agree, as I do that "no Child Left Behind," needs to be dissolved and replaced with a system that allows our children to learn more effectively by using different learning styles.
With one child in college, one junior and one child almost a freshman, I have paid close attention to our candidates plans regarding Higher Education.
Hillary Clinton's plan includes an economic boost to community colleges as well as easier access to financial aid. Her plan also includes increasing the Pell Grant funding and Tax Credits to help parents pay for college. She also put incentives in for those who wish to serve in Americorps and supports apprenticeships and workforce training. She also plans on going after lowering the cost of financing a higher education.
Barack Obama has a plan that includes lowering costs through streamlining the Financial aid process, eliminating high cost lenders and investing in commuity colleges.
The most impressive point in the Obama plan to me, is the investment that he asks of us. He is making it known that we as parents need to start taking a more active role in our children's education as well as their lives.
The Clinton camp gets high marks from me for their aggressive stance on predatory lenders who are driving up the cost even further.
My advise to all is to visit the candidates websites and really spend some time looking at what THEY believe in. And then VOTE. Vote with an educated mind. Look closely at both the platforms and decide to vote for what YOU believe in.
