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Education Emerging as a Component in Economic RecoveryDecember 12, 2008—Although the current economic crisis is still the main focus of President-elect Obama's transition team, education is moving toward the forefront as a key element in future financial stability. Contained in Obama's two-year job creation program is a plan for "modernizing schools that are failing our children." This ties into Obama's agendas for both education and technology where all students have access to a high-quality, 21st Century education. Including this element in his job program is a sign that Obama's administration is committed to moving forward with his platform. In his news conference on Nov. 25, though, Obama reiterated his campaign's call for change and how his administration won't just rubber stamp current projects. He said, "if we're talking about health care, we want to put money into health care modernization that can help us save money over the long-term. We don't want to continue programs that aren't working and making people healthier. The same is true for education. The same is true in the Defense Department. The same is true in social spending." In addition, Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google and a member of Obama's Transition Economic Advisory Board, reiterated the importance of education to a strong economy in a presentation on the nexus of technology, economic growth and open government at the Reagan Center. Schmidt stated that Federal and state policies are needed that give U.S. students "tools and technologies" for success in a 21st Century economy including improving math and science education and recruiting highly-skilled teachers. Colin Powell, considered by political insiders to be a candidate for Secretary of Education, has also gone on record with his views on the economy and education. In a Special Section of Roll Call, the newspaper of Capitol Hill, entitled, "The Mission Ahead," Powell urged the nation to place a sound investment in children in order to ensure a viable U.S. economic future. He warned that the economic slowdown affects children, and their well-being "must be a critical part of the solution." According to the Associated Press and The Washington Post, the names on the short list for Secretary of Education are:
Industry experts, as reported by The Washington Post, believe that Obama's key to success lies in gaining bipartisan support for his education initiatives. The passage and implementation of No Child Left Behind garnered negativity from Democrats and Republicans, and the first task of a new Secretary of Education will be to get both sides working together again. For more information "President-elect
Obama third press conference. Transcript." "Obama
Faces Fierce Fight to Keep Education Promises" "In
Transition: Education Secretary" "Obama
weighs names for top posts" "To
Restore Economic Health, Congress Must Put Children First" | |||||
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