Education 2008: How Important Is It, And Who Do Voters Trust?

angryteacher — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:53:19 -0700

Who do voters trust when it comes to education?

According to the most recent Rassmussen poll, Democrats are trusted more when it comes to education, and hold a 15 point advantage over Republicans, 50 to 35.

Why? Perhaps it's due to the fact that McCain won't do ~~much~~ anything to fix NCLB if elected President. This could have some serious consequences in November, and even the ~~conversationalists~~ ~~conservationists~~, er conservatives at the DC/ Ohio based Fordham Foundation realize it:

Vice President Mike Petrilli writes in the FF blog Flypaper:

Conventional wisdom (true in this case, I believe) says that Republicans that don’t talk about education don’t win elections.

Mike's right; McCain hasn't said much of anything about NCLB-- for or against it. Full disclosure, however, Petrilli is the same guy who a few days ago said too many teachers are fat and are consequently costing America $2.5 billion a year in uneeded health care premiums that could be better spent elsewhere. Hands off my Twinkies, Mike.

How important is education in the 2008 election?

In the most recent Pew poll, 78% of registered voters marked education as very important in the 2008 election-- a second place finish only to the economy. (Education did tie for second place with health care and jobs.)

What is interesting is that education was still more of a priority for registered voters than energy, Iraq, Social Security, the deficit, taxes and terrorism.

The results of the survey are surprising even to me, a veteran teacher. The responses don't jive with my realities.

I hear people ask "Why are so many soldiers dying in Iraq?", not "Why are so many students dropping out of school?".

They say "Man, these gas prices keep going up, it's putting a major crunch on my finances", not "More and more charter schools keep popping up and they're wrecking my school district's budget and their ability to provide a complete education for my child".

People wonder "What happens if I lose my job tomorrow?" not "What happens if my child doesn't pass the OGT or OAT?"

But don't get me started.

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Education 2008: How Important Is It, And Who Do Voters Trust?