The Other 85 Percent

Where do Obama and McCain stand on education?

June 26, 2008 | Filed under: Barack Obama, Capella University, Inside Higher Ed, John McCain, Mike Offerman, The Other 85 Percent, college, college degree, distance learning, elearning, higher education, online learning, presidential campaign

Recently, I posted a review of the major presidential candidates’ positions on education. I expressed disappointment that little attention was given to higher education and, in particular, to higher education for adults and independent part-time students. On Monday, Senator Obama made a speech on competitiveness that included references to education.

Here is a brief report on the speech from Inside Higher Education:

“Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, went to Kettering University, in Michigan, Monday to deliver what he billed as a major speech on U.S. competitiveness and his focus was very much on education at all levels. In his talk, Obama said that changes in the world economy require national leadership on the scale of earlier leaders’ decisions to create land-grant universities, to build the Hoover Dam, and to launch the space programs. Most of the education and research proposals he outlined were among those he has made before, but not always linked together as he did Monday. Among the ideas he discussed: the need for higher standards in elementary and secondary education so more high school graduates are prepared for college, recruiting new teachers, “updating” schools of education, adding student aid and tax breaks for college education, and greatly expanding education benefits for veterans. He also called for major infusions of federal research funds, with an emphasis on research that promotes the environment and improves U.S. energy policy. Aides to Sen. John McCain, Obama’s Republican opponent, held a briefing for reporters Monday to respond to the speech and they accused Obama of not believing the United States can compete with the rest of the world, and of favoring high taxes.” Inside Higher Education, June 17, 2008, Quick Takes: Obama on Education

Having read the speech, looking for references to higher education, I remain disappointed that the Senator focuses on K-12 education. However, there are points of hope in that he does reference assistance for community colleges and increased support for members of the military. However, he clearly states that he intends to help “young people” attend college by providing tax breaks to families. That is laudable but fails to consider the needs of independent young people who often attend college on a part-time basis and completely ignores adults. Senator McCain’s supporters reacted to Obama’s speech (see “briefing for reporters” link in the Inside Higher Education article) but focused on financing realities as opposed to the substance of the plans and did not address education at any level. Here are three quotes from the text of Senator Obama’s speech:

Finally, our commitment cannot end with a high school degree. The chance to get a college education must not be a privilege of the few – it should be a birthright of every single American. Senator McCain is campaigning on a plan to give more tax breaks to corporations. I want to give tax breaks to young people, in the form of an annual $4,000 tax credit that will cover two-thirds of the tuition at an average public college, and make community college completely free. In return, I will ask students to serve, whether it’s by teaching, joining the Peace Corps, or working in your community. And for those who serve in our military, we’ll cover all of your tuition with an even more generous 21st Century GI Bill. The idea is simple – America invests in you, and you invest in America. That’s how we’re going to ensure that America succeeds in this century.

Moreover, our commitment to manufacturing cannot end with Green Jobs. That’s why I’ll end tax breaks that ship jobs overseas, and invest in American jobs. Senator McCain has a different view. He’s voted to keep tax incentives that encourage companies to move abroad. He should listen to leaders in Michigan like Carl Levin, who have put forward serious proposals to address the crisis in manufacturing. We need to support programs like Michigan’s 21st Century Jobs Fund, and build on best practices across the country. That’s why I’ll create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to invest in places hit hard by job loss. I’ll partner with Community Colleges, so that we’re training workers to meet the demands of local industry.

Our children can get a world-class education, and their dreams of tomorrow can eclipse even our greatest hopes of today.

So, I would have to say that we are still waiting for a sign that the presidential candidates are aware of the other 85% and what they would propose as effective public policy that recognizes the reality of contemporary higher education.

Mike

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