Radio Commentary
With political campaigns in full swing,
we know that education will continue to be a primary focus for candidates.
Polls show the public considers education
a very high priority, and candidates will be quick to zero in on their
concerns. Much will be said about how to support and improve our schools.
But campaign words will not solve the
challenges our schools face. How do we hold politicians accountable for their
sound-bite promises and lofty rhetoric?
Recent history shows that we must do a
far better job of demanding accountability for our children.
With all the promises, the task forces,
the reform measures, and the best or worst of intentions, what kind of real
progress and results have we seen in the past few decades?
Are American schools better off than
they were before all these efforts?
Have we committed the necessary
resources and leadership to our nation’s classrooms so that problems can truly
be overcome?
Have we provided even half the needed
funding for key early childhood programs that prepare our children to succeed
in school?
In the long run, ensuring a positive
future for our kids depends on each of us doing our part as individuals.
We must learn the facts about the
candidate’s actual record on these issues, and we should vote accordingly.
In addition to supporting family
values, we must also support community values. Our future, and that of our
children, depends on our own accountability in this area.
