Oregon congressional candidates differ on federal education policies
Published: Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 5:42 PM Updated: Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 7:18 PM
BEAVERTON -- The four leading candidates in Oregon's special congressional election have major differences about the future of two major federal education programs: the George W. Bush-era No Child Left Behind law and the Obama administration's "Race to the Top."
Democrat Brad Avakian and Republican Rob Cornilles both said Tuesday that they want to abolish those programs and give local school districts much more freedom in how they spend school money.
Democrats Brad Witt and Suzanne Bonamici both said they also want more local flexibility. But Witt said he supports "Race to the Top," which encouraged the states to compete for more than $3 billion in federal grants by adopting educational practices.
The federal role in education came up during a candidate's forum held by the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce, and it's one issue that a new member of Congress might soon have to tackle. Congress is already late in taking up reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, the act that
Democrat Brad Avakian and Republican Rob Cornilles both said Tuesday that they want to abolish those programs and give local school districts much more freedom in how they spend school money.
Democrats Brad Witt and Suzanne Bonamici both said they also want more local flexibility. But Witt said he supports "Race to the Top," which encouraged the states to compete for more than $3 billion in federal grants by adopting educational practices.
The federal role in education came up during a candidate's forum held by the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce, and it's one issue that a new member of Congress might soon have to tackle. Congress is already late in taking up reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, the act that