Campaign Notebook: Democratic Convention

Biden and Obama Aligned on Education

Sen. Barack Obama selected his running mate based on expertise in areas beyond education policy. Throughout his 36-year tenure in the U.S. Senate, Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware has primarily focused on foreign policy, the federal judiciary, and crime legislation. However, his track record regarding K-12 education measures is not particularly notable. Nevertheless, when accepting the Democratic vice presidential nomination on August 25, Sen. Biden made it clear that he stands in support of the presidential nominee’s education ideas.

During his speech at the Democratic National Convention, Sen. Biden emphasized the importance of education in maintaining the nation’s competitiveness. He affirmed that Barack Obama has plans to invest in the next generation of teachers and make college more affordable, asserting that these changes are necessary. Sen. Biden’s stance on education policy can also be deduced from comments he made during his own campaign for the 2008 Democratic nomination. For instance, he expressed his support for performance pay for teachers, which includes rewarding teachers financially for improving their credentials and obtaining higher-level degrees. However, he did not explicitly state his opinion on providing bonuses or salary increases to teachers based on their students’ performance. It should be noted that Mr. Biden’s wife, Jill, is a community college instructor.

On the other hand, throughout the primary season, Sen. Obama voiced his support for alternative pay systems for successful teachers, as long as they are approved through contracts negotiated by school districts and teachers unions. In a July 2007 debate, Sen. Biden indicated that he would undertake a significant reformation of the No Child Left Behind Act if he were elected president. He emphasized the need for better teachers, smaller classrooms, and an earlier start for children, deeming these factors essential. While Sen. Obama has been critical of the NCLB law, he has acknowledged that the core principle of holding schools accountable for student achievement is a good foundation for federal policy. He has also suggested that many of the law’s issues can be addressed by improving the quality of the tests used to measure student performance.

Despite having a limited involvement in education matters, Sen. Biden has been regarded as an advocate for teachers’ unions and their members. Educator Crystal Barnett, a member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, attests to Sen. Biden’s support for working individuals and his pro-union stance. She, along with many other delegates, attended the convention as a representative for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.

ED in ’09?

The ED in ’08 campaign, aimed at promoting education as a top priority in the presidential campaign, did not make a significant impact at the Democratic convention.

Miller Optimistic about NCLB’s Future

Representative George Miller, a Democrat from California and the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, revealed last week that he was introduced to Barack Obama by Senator Richard J. Durbin, the other senator from Illinois who also lived in Mr. Miller’s row house on Capitol Hill. Occasionally, Senator Obama would join them for a meal of Chinese takeout and discuss various issues, including education. Chairman Miller was impressed by Obama’s deep understanding of educational matters, especially regarding the No Child Left Behind Act.

According to Rep. Miller, Obama comprehends the fundamental principles of the No Child Left Behind Act, such as the importance of high standards, assessments, accountability, qualified teachers, and sufficient funding. While acknowledging that the reauthorization of NCLB may not be a top priority for the next president, Rep. Miller remained hopeful about the law’s future.

When asked if NCLB would be given a new name, Rep. Miller expressed that changing the name could potentially garner more support. He humorously suggested that a mere name change could earn him 100 votes.

As for the possibility of serving as the Secretary of Education in an Obama administration, Rep. Miller stated that he loves his current role and is dedicated to his work.