A New Year's Resolution from the Candidates

At the debates in Iowa last week, the presidential candidates were asked about the New Year's resolutions they had for each other. While for the most part they recited thoughtful responses, it was clear that the candidates just wanted to take the time to talk about themselves. None of them really offered what I was hoping to hear - a New Year's resolution to become a leader for America's schools.

Our nation is confronted with a staggering achievement gap, a rapidly approaching teacher shortage, and dangerously low expectations for our students. We are gradually losing our foothold in the global economy, while our international competitors are going above and beyond to equip their own students for the future. In 2007, we saw American students for the first time fall substantially below the international average in science and math. We saw 1.2 million students drop out of high school, a decision that will impact both their economic futures and that of this nation.

Yet, as I think on the present state of our schools, I see both crisis and opportunity. In 2007, we also saw successful programs in places such as Massachusetts extending time and support for student learning, and watched their students' performance rise as a result. We saw unions and state and local leaders working together to reward effective teachers, and heard the call for rigorous American standards echoed again and again.

We can change the state of America's schools. We must. The stakes are far too high to ignore, and that is why, at this season of reflection and hope, I challenge those who would lead our country to offer their resolutions for K-12 education reform.

Now, a resolution isn't the same thing as a wish or a talking point, and it shouldn't be made lightly. It is a commitment and goal. Wouldn't it be great if the candidates started 2008 by putting aside the special interests and sound bites and really resolved to take a stand for our nation's schools?

I am traveling home to Colorado today to spend some time with my family for the holidays, and will be posting less frequently over the next few days. However, ED in '08 heads to Des Moines next week for the much anticipated presidential caucus, and I hope you'll stay tuned for news from the ground in Iowa!