Education Reform in the Obama Administration

Terry Moe, an early supporter of Barack Obama's candidacy for President, writes in the Wall Street Journal (here) that Democrats can bring about meaningful change in education if they choose to put kids before adults, that is, educational reform before the agenda of the teachers' union. Herewith some short excerpts:

Democrats are fervent supporters of public education, and the party genuinely wants to help disadvantaged kids stuck in bad schools. But it resists bold action. It is immobilized. Impotent. The explanation lies in its longstanding alliance with the teachers' unions -- which, with more than three million members, tons of money and legions of activists, are among the most powerful groups in American politics. The Democrats benefit enormously from all this firepower, and they know what they need to do to keep it. They need to stay inside the box.

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What should the Democrats be doing? Above all, they should be guided by a single overarching principle: Do what is best for children.

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It all boils down to a simple question. Will President Obama have the courage to unite with the rebels inside his party, champion the interests of children over the interests of adults, and be a true leader who really means it when he talks about change? We can only stay tuned. And have the audacity of hope.

Greg Sisk