Barack Obama and Education

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/03/01/obama.country.forward.cnn?iref=videosearch

During a speech given in Parma Heights, Ohio, Barack Obama very clearly laid out his plans for the education of American young people, should he become president. He covered what he believes are the greatest pitfalls of the education system in America today, starting with pre-school all the way through college, and he emphasized the importance of the work teachers are doing, addressing the need to increase their salaries.

First and foremost, Obama believes that education starts from day one. He is quoted as saying, “I believe we can give every child in America the best education this country has to offer from the day that child is born to the day that child graduates from college…” Following this statement he explains what the course of action would be. In order for his plan to come to fruition, he will invest more in early childhood education so kids are better prepared for kindergarten. As students get older, he will work to make college an attainable goal financially for those that are willing to make the effort. In this speech, Obama explains that he would create an initiative in which every student would be given four thousand dollars a year to put towards their college tuition. In return for this grant, students would be expected to do a variety of forms of service. This service can include anything from Peace Corp to working in a soup kitchen.

Finally he addressed the issues facing teachers. Between the poor salary teachers are given to the restrictions placed on what they can teach as a result of preparing students for standardized tests. If Obama is placed in office he promises to increase their salary and reform No Child Left Behind, which would enable teachers to focus more on educating students and not just preparing them for tests.

Overall, what Obama had to say was well received by the audience. His message seems attainable and above all else it seems to hit on the vital issues facing America's education system.