Now it’s getting ridiculous: Four debates, no questions about K-12 education
Now it’s getting ridiculous: Four debates among Democratic presidential candidates, and no questions — or serious discussion — about K-12 education.
A nod goes to Sen. Michael F. Bennet of Colorado, a former superintendent of the Denver school system, who answered a non-education question with a call to improve the public education system. His passionate plea to “fix our school system” and focus on segregated schools came in response to a question by CNN moderator Don Lemon about why he would be the best candidate to heal the racial divide in the United States.
Some candidates made passing references to universal preschool, and moderators did raise college affordability and student debt. But when it comes to K-12 public education, which many believe is the most important civic institution in the country, nada.
There have been four debates: two in June on NBC and MSNBC with 10 candidates each night; and two this week on CNN, also with 10 candidates on each night. So, what were the moderators thinking, exactly?
That education isn’t as important as health care and immigration and foreign affairs and how Democrats can win Michigan in 2020?
That prekindergarten and higher education is more important than the grades in between?
That Americans aren’t very interested in the present and future of public education and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s plans to change the way U.S. children attend school?
Do the moderators think the candidates all agree so they can’t spark a fight with the issue? (They don’t.)
Is it too difficult to compose questions that get at the heart of major matters confronting public schools?
How about: “America funds its public education system largely through property taxes, and federal efforts to close the gap between high-income and low-income neighborhoods have not bridged the gap. Should there be a fundamental change in the way public schools are funded?"
Or: “If the Supreme Court rules, as it may do, that it is constitutional for states to use public funds for CONTINUE READING: Now it’s getting ridiculous: Four Democratic debates, almost no discussion on K-12 education - The Washington Post
