Our Future In Education: Presidential Candidates Stance on

Education, Their Outreach, How the Public Feels about this, and How

Future Teachers Could Be Effected

Index of What’s To Come

• Introduction• Introduction to Major Presidential Candidates

– Democrats• Senator Hillary Clinton• Senator Barack Obama

– Republican• Senator John McCain

• Presidential Candidates Views of Education– Hillary Clinton– Barack Obama– John McCain

More On What’s To Come• How the Public Feels about the Presidential

Candidates Views on Education– Miss. Joy Sulewski (age 23)

• High School British Literature Class• George Mason High School, Virginia• First Year Teacher

– Mr. Tony Wagener (age: 23)• Endorsed Barack Obama• Staff Assistant for Pennsylvania State Representative Patrick

Murphy– Who endorsed Barack Obama

• 2007 BGSU Graduate • Works in the Capital Building

And More– Mr. Nick Atkin (Age 24)

• Uninformed on Presidential Issues

• Weak Democrat

• Did not vote in the primary

– Ms. Beth Becker (age 37)• Veteran Teach 10+ years

• Rossford Junior High School

• Language Arts

• Has Taught a Variety of Subjects

• How will these ideas effect my future in education as a future educator?

• How might my future classroom differ with these views then what it would be like if I were to start teaching tomorrow?

IntroductionEvery four years, citizens of the United States of America get the

opportunity to elect the leader of their country. This person (the President), is then in charge of our country. Their views and ideas can change our country as we know it. It is our job, as citizens of this great nation to elect the person best for this job. To do so, we must look at each presidential candidate and their views on various issues that can and will effect our country. One stance that presidential candidates take that is very important to many people is that of the future of education. Almost everyone in this country is effected in one way or another by education. This being a Presidential Election year the future of America is about to change. Each presidential candidate in this years race has different views on different topics especially education. These views effect how citizens view them as candidates and could change their vote. Through my research I have found the presidential candidates views on education and what certain members of our society feel about them and how the future of education could change.

Presidential Candidates Overview

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Hillary Clinton• Hometown

Park Ridge, Ill.• Age

60• Religion

United Methodist• Education

Yale Law School, J.D., 1973Wellesley College, B.A., 1969

• Candidacy StatusFormally declared candidacy Jan. 20, 2007

• Political ExperienceU.S. Senator from New York, 2001-presentFirst Lady of the United States, 1993-2001First Lady of Arkansas, 1979-1981, 1983-1993

• Professional ExperienceAttorney, Rose Law Firm, 1976-1992Faculty, University of Arkansas Law School, 1975Counsel, House Judiciary Committee, 1974Co-Founder, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

• Family InformationSpouse: Bill ClintonChildren: Chelsea Clinton

Barack Obama

• HometownHonolulu, Hawaii

• Age46

• ReligionUnited Church of Christ

• EducationHarvard Law School, J.D., 1991Columbia University, B.A., 1983

• Candidacy StatusFormally declared candidacy Feb. 10, 2007.

• Political ExperienceU.S. Senator from Illinois, 2005-presentIllinois State Senator, 1997-2004

• Professional ExperienceLecturer, University of Chicago Law School, 1993-2004Attorney, Miner Barnhill & Galland, 1993-2004

• Family InformationSpouse: Michelle ObamaChildren: Malia Ann Obama, Sasha Obama

REBUBLICAN PARTY

John McCain• Hometown

Alexandria, Va• Age

71• Religion

Baptist• Education

National War College, attended courses, 1973-1974United States Naval Academy, B.S., 1958

• Candidacy StatusFormally declared candidacy April 25, 2007.

• Political ExperienceU.S. Senator from Arizona, 1987-presentU.S. Representative from Arizona, 1983-1987

• Professional ExperienceSenate Navy Liaison, 1977-1981United States Navy 1958-1981

• Family InformationSpouse: Cindy Hensley McCainChildren: Sidney McCain, Doug Shepp, Andrew Shepp, Meghan McCain, John Sidney McCain IV, James McCain, Bridget McCain

Let's recommit ourselves to the idea that every young person in America has the right to a high-quality education, from pre-school all the way through college. I have proposed universal pre-kindergarten for every 4-year-old. If we provide that, the evidence is overwhelming, children will stay in school longer, they will do better, and they'll stay out of trouble. Because you know what? There are states in our country who actually plan how many prison beds they will need by looking at third grade reading scores. They look at the failure rates and they extrapolate how many prison spots they're going to need in 10 to 15 years. Well, I think it is time that we had a real debate about that. And I, for one, would much rather pay for pre-kindergarten than for more prison beds. Let's keep kids on the right track and out of the prison system.

Major Ideas for K-12Hillary also knows that we have to improve our K-12 system in order to ensure that every child is prepared to compete in an increasingly global economy. As president, she will:

• End the unfunded mandate known as No Child Left Behind.

• Meet the funding promises of IDEA to ensure that children with special needs get the attention and support they deserve.

• Recruit and retain thousands more outstanding teachers and principals, especially in urban and rural areas.

• Cut the minority dropout rate in half.

• Create "Green Schools" in order to reduce energy costs and eliminate environmental hazards that can hinder children's development.

More Major Ideas• Expand early-intervention mentoring programs to help one

million at-risk youth aspire for college and job success.

• Identify at-risk youth early on and provide $1 billion in intensive interventions, such as early college high schools and multiple pathways to graduation, to get them back on track.

• Double the after school program to ensure that 2 million young people have a safe and stimulating place to go between 3 and 6 p.m.

• Invest $100 million in a new public/private summer internship program.

• Provide opportunity for 1.5 million disconnected youth in job programs linked to high-growth economic sectors.

And I've said this all across the country when I talk to parents about education, government has to fulfill its obligations to fund education, but parents have to do their job too. We've got to turn off the TV set, we've got to put away the video game, and we have to tell our children that session not a passive activity, you have to be actively engaged in it. If we encourage that attitude and our community is enforcing it, I have no doubt we can compete with anybody in the world.

Barack’s Plan for K-12• Reform No Child Left Behind: Obama will reform NCLB, which starts by

funding the law. Obama believes teachers should not be forced to spend the academic year preparing students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests. He will improve the assessments used to track student progress to measure readiness for college and the workplace and improve student learning in a timely, individualized manner. Obama will also improve NCLB's accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need improvement, rather than punishing them.

• Make Math and Science Education a National Priority: Obama will recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession and will support efforts to help these teachers learn from professionals in the field. He will also work to ensure that all children have access to a strong science curriculum at all grade levels.

• Address the Dropout Crisis: Obama will address the dropout crisis by passing his legislation to provide funding to school districts to invest in intervention strategies in middle school - strategies such as personal academic plans, teaching teams, parent involvement, mentoring, intensive reading and math instruction, and extended learning time.

More of Barack’s Plan• Expand High-Quality Afterschool Opportunities: Obama will

double funding for the main federal support for afterschool programs, the 21st Century Learning Centers program, to serve one million more children.

• Expand Summer Learning Opportunities: Obama's "STEP UP" plan addresses the achievement gap by supporting summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged children through partnerships between local schools and community organizations.

• Support College Outreach Programs: Obama supports outreach programs like GEAR UP, TRIO and Upward Bound to encourage more young people from low-income families to consider and prepare for college.

• Support English Language Learners: Obama supports transitional bilingual education and will help Limited English Proficient students get ahead by holding schools accountable for making sure these students complete school.

Our children deserve the best education we can provide to them, whether that learning takes place in a public, private or parochial school. It’s time to give middle and lower income parents the same right wealthier families have -- to send their child to the school that best meets their needs. It’s time to conduct a nationwide test of school vouchers. It’s time to democratize education.

Excellence, Choice, and Competition in American Education

• John McCain believes American education must be worthy of the promise we make to our children and ourselves. He understands that we are a nation committed to equal opportunity, and there is no equal opportunity without equal access to excellent education.

• Public education should be defined as one in which our public support for a child's education follows that child into the school the parent chooses. The school is charged with the responsibility of educating the child, and must have the resources and management authority to deliver on that responsibility. They must also report to the parents and the public on their progress.

• The deplorable status of preparation for our children, particularly in comparison with the rest of the industrialized world, does not allow us the luxury of eliminating options in our educational repertoire. John McCain will fight for the ability of all students to have access to all schools of demonstrated excellence, including their own homes.

More On Education

• No Child Left Behind has focused our attention on the realities of how students perform against a common standard. John McCain believes that we can no longer accept low standards for some students and high standards for others. In this age of honest reporting, we finally see what is happening to students who were previously invisible. While that is progress all its own, it compels us to seek and find solution the dismal facts before us.

• John McCain believes our schools can and should compete to be the most innovative, flexible and student-centered - not safe havens for the uninspired and unaccountable. He believes we should let them compete for the most effective, character-building teachers, hire them, and reward them.

• If a school will not change, the students should be able to change schools. John McCain believes parents should be empowered with school choice to send their children to the school that can best educate them just as many members of Congress do with their own children. He finds it beyond hypocritical that many of those who would refuse to allow public school parents to choose their child's school would never agree to force their own children into a school that did not work or was unsafe. They can make another choice. John McCain believes that is a fundamental and essential right we should honor for all parents.

Miss. Joy Sulewski

• Age: 23• 2007 BGSU Graduate• 1st year teacher• George Mason High School,

Virginia• Teacher Journalism, College

Prep, and senior British Literature

• Engaged to a Special Assistant to a Congressman

• Up to date on political information

Interview Questions

• Based on your knowledge of the 2008 presidential campaign, which candidate do you think has the best ideas for the future of education?

• How strong of an effect do you think a candidates view of education has on their overall campaign?

• How much of an effect does a candidates view on education have on the way you vote?

• Since becoming an educator do you pay more attention to the issue of education?

• What would you like to see change with the future of education?

• What do you think needs to change in the future with education?

• What do you think is to come with the future of education?

Joy’s Responses• Question #1: Based on your knowledge of the 2008 presidential

campaign,which candidate do you think has the best ideas for the futureof education?

• Response #1: “I think Clinton and Obama have equally good plans for education.  They both want all children to be successful and for teachers to receive more support.”

• Question #2: How strong of an effect do you think a candidates view ofeducation has on their overall campaign?

• Response #2: “Education is a HUGE part of a campaign.  Name one person that education does not affect and you'd have to say "no one."  It's a big deal, just as big as healthcare, I think.  Their plan for the education of millions of students (k-college) matters.”

Joy’s Responses Continued• Question #3: How much of an effect does a candidates view

on education have on the way you vote?

• Response #3: “A tremendous amount.  As an educator, I need to know who is looking out for me the most.  That's the candidate I want in office.  I'm a member of the NEA (National Education Association) and I trust them to look out for my job and teacher-resources.  Whoever they side with will probably the candidate that is best for education.  I trust in that.”

• Question #4: “Since becoming an educator do you pay more attention to the issue of education?”

• Response #4: “Yes!  Absolutely!  I think it would be impossible not to care about the issue of education and still show up to work each day.  It's my JOB to care about these things.  It will affect the course of my life.”

Joy’s Responses Continued• Question #5: What would you like to see change with the future of

education?

• Response #5: “Few standards--- It seems the US educational system is too standardized to allow for freedom of thought and interpretation. I want to see No Child Left Behind soften up and really reach EVERY student. Not every student is good at taking tests, after all. Yes, all kids should be allowed to succeed, but placing regulations and limits on their knowledge because of standards is not the way to do it.”

• Question #6: What do you think needs to change in the future witheducation?

• Response #6: “No Child Left Behind legislation Funding--  should be equalized across EVERY school board.  Poor schools deserve more, rich schools could give up a little.”

• Question #7: What do you think is to come with the future of education?

• Response #7: “Sadly-- more and more regulation and standards.  • Assurance that all students are learning the same things across the

board, not matter what state or region.” 

Mr. Tony Wagener

• Age: 23

• 2007 BGSU Political Science Graduate

• Job Title: Special Assistant to Congressman

• Pennsylvania State Representation Patrick Murphy

• Job Location: Capital Building, Washington D.C.

• Very Strong Demarcate

• Very informed on issues

• Publicly Endorsed Senator Obama

• Has Meet/Knows all of the Candidates

Questions Asked

• Question #1.) Knowing all of the information that you know about the three main Presidential Candidates, which Candidates Views onEducation do you think are most promising, why?

• Question #2.) n your opinion how much of an overall effect, if any does a candidates views on education effect their campaign?

• Question #3.) Do you think that elected candidate will follow up on theirpromises and ideas for education?

• Question #4.) Does the issue of education between each candidate have much of an effect on who you vote for?

• Question #5.) Do you think education is a major issue on the presidentialcampaign?

Tony’s Thoughts• Question #1.) Knowing all of the information that you know about the three main Presidential

Candidates, which Candidates Views on Education do you think are most promising, why?

• Response #1.) I think, given the current state of the Democratic race, that it is impossible to pick either of those candidates of the other, but I think what I can say is that either democratic candidate is going to be leagues better than the Republican candidate.  The Democrats believe that it is not enough to simply force tests on to our students, but that students need innovation and creativity from their teachers, not simply material out of a test booklet.  The democrats believe that the failed No Child Left Behind Act must be overhauled, and that for me is the greatest thing that can be done in our education system.

 • Question #2.) In your opinion how much of an overall effect, if any does a candidates views on

education effect their campaign?

• Response #2.) I think this question is similar to one at the bottom in  that I don't think that their particular views on education will make all that much of difference overall in the campaign.  While there are many citizens who will make their decisions based on the particular views of education, I don't think that enough people put that issue high enough on their priority list, especially with an economy that is causing more and more people to struggle just to get by.

•Question #3.) Do you think that elected candidate will follow up on their promises and ideas for education?

• Response #3) This is a really interesting question, and I think it is one that could be asked of any candidate on any issue.  Rarely does a candidate actually do what they 'promise' during the course of an election; they may want to, but often the sweeping reforms that candidates propose on the campaign trail are killed either by lack of money or lack of a Congress to actually implement the plan.  Remember, in the American system of government, it isn't enough for a President to want to do something…there has to be a willingness among the 535 members of the Congress, and if there isn't, a President's plans are basically dead.

More of Tony’s Thoughts• Question #4.) Does the issue of education between each candidate have much of an

effect on who you vote for?

Response #4) In my own life, I look for a candidate who takes the time to make education an important part of their candidacy.  Unfortunately, I education is not often issue enough to pull the level for a particular candidate.  One must take the time to look at everything a candidate stands for to see where they may come down on the issue of education.  For example, a more conservative candidate on most issues is likely to back something such as school vouchers, something of which I am strongly against.  I think in the course of the campaign the candidates don't have the outlet to really talk about education, and I think it is important to pick the best candidate and watch where their education plans go once in office.

• Question #5.) Do you think education is a major issue on the presidential campaign?

• Response #5.) Education, unfortunately, often takes a backseat to the other major issues of any campaign, and it appears that the 2008 cycle is no different.  With the war in Iraq in its 5th year, the economy in a near-recession, and with the battle over immigration raging, it is hard to see where education really fits.  While I think that education is certainly an important issues for all 3 of the presidential candidates (whole pages of their websites are dedicated to the topic) I don't think that we could call the issue a major one.  If most of the last debates, the topic has either not come up, or been barely breached, by the candidates.  All of the candidates will talk about education when needed, and I think that they all care about it, I don't foresee it becoming an issue on which the race will be decided.

Mr. Nick Atkin

• Age: 24

• Occupation: Millwright (Maintenance) – Senior year in H.S to Current

• Education Experience– Graduated from Eastwood High School

in 2002– Finished Apprenticeship Classes in

2006

• Politics play a small role in his life currently

• Does not vote often

Interview questions

1.) Based on your knowledge of the 2008 presidential campaign, which candidate do you think has the best ideas for the future of education?

2.) How strong of an effect do you think a candidates view of education has on their overall campaign?

3.) How much of an effect does a candidates view on education have on the way you vote?

4.) Since you have not heard the candidates talk about education what have you heard them talk about?

Nick’s Responses• Question #1: Based on your knowledge of the 2008 presidential campaign, which

candidate do you think has the best ideas for the future of education?

• Response #1: “I don’t know, I haven’t heard any of them talk about education. Maybe Ralph Nader, because Grandma says so.

• Question #2: How strong of an effect do you think a candidates view of education has on their overall campaign?

• Response #2: “Not Much, because I think everyone is more focused on their jobs and the economy then education.”

• Question #3: How much of an effect does a candidates view on education have on the way you vote?

• Response #3: “I guess I would say none what so ever.”

• Questions #4: Since you have not heard the candidates talk about education what have you heard them talk about?

• Response #4: “Pretty much the economy, I haven’t really paid much attention to be honest, none of them are worth a damn.”

Ms. Beth Becker• Age: 37• 7th Grade Language Arts

Teacher at Rossford Junior High School

• Teaching for 13 years• Has Taught a Variety of

Subjects• Politics Does not play a

large role in her life.

Interview Questions

• 1.) Based on your knowledge of the 2008 presidential campaign, which candidate do you think has the best ideas for the future of education?

• 2.) How strong of an effect do you think a candidates view of education has on their overall campaign?

• 3.) How much of an effect does a candidates view on education have on the way you vote?

• 4.) Since becoming an educator do you pay more attention to the issue of education?

• 5.) What would you like to see change with the future of education?

• 6.) What do you think needs to change in the future with education?

• 7.) What do you think is to come with the future of education?

Beth’s Thoughts• Question #1: Based on your knowledge of the 2008 presidential campaign, which

candidate do you think has the best ideas for the future of education?

• Response #1: “I don't think any of them are very strong educationally. I think the majority of their focus is on the economy.”

• Question #2: How strong of an effect do you think a candidates view of education has on their overall campaign?

• Response #2: “I think it may influence some of the voters, but not all. I don't think having a strong educationalfocus wins a candidate an election. People seem to be more focused on thewar, gas prices, etc other than education. It is not right, but that ishow it seems.”

• Question# 3:How much of an effect does a candidates view on education have on the way you vote?

• Response #3: “It effects my voting. I look for someone that is going to support education.”

A Few More Thoughts• Question 4.) Since becoming an educator do you pay more attention to the

issue of education?

• Response 4.) More locally.

• Question 5.) What would you like to see change with the future of education? Self driven learning, students coming to school wanting to learn, support from parents.

• Question 6.) What do you think needs to change in the future witheducation?

• Response 6.) Stronger educational programs that push our students to succeed in life. Stronger discipline, no tolerance. Dress codes.

• Question 7.) What do you think is to come with the future of education?

• Response 7.) More testing, teachers becoming even more accountable for test scores, more technology with no training.

Presidential Candidate’s OutreachEach Presidential Candidate has a different view or stance on a number of issues,

including education. It is their jobs to make sure that they reach out to all citizens of this country and let them know where they stand on certain issues and what they plan to do about them. After researching what the three major Presidential Candidates views on education were (since I had no yet heard), I went out to see what different members of this society knew about them, especially those members that this issue would effect the most.

I started my interviewing in Washington D.C, the heart of it all. First I interviewed a High School British Literary teacher who is engaged to someone who works in the capital building. I went into the interview thinking she would be up to date on the stance of education and I was right. Ms. Sulewski is very informed on this issues and knows how the candidates feel about them. She is already a democrat so Mr. McCain is out of the running for her vote. The race is then between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. Joy believes that education is a huge part of a political campaign. Joy is a member of NEA and she said she will probably support who the NEA thinks is the best candidate for education. Joy is a first year teacher so this election year could be crucial to her and the future of her classroom.

The second person I choose to interview was Mr. Tony Wagener. He is a special assistant to Congressman Patrick Murphy. Mr. Wagener is very involved in all political events that take place in and out of the capital building. Mr. Wagener, along with Congressman Murphy is a Democrat. Congressman Murphy has chosen to endorse Obama and because of this so has Mr. Wagener. Mr. Wagener’s endorsement of Mr. Obama came with the job however after studying up on the campaign and staying involved in the entire processes, Mr. Wagener now fully supports Mr. Obama on his own. Mr. Wagener’s responses to my questions were very informational and I learned a lot. My favorite question I asked him was if it even matters what the candidates say because it doesn’t mean they have to go through with it. Mr. Wagener agreed and said that rarely do they go through with what they say on any issue.

More on OutreachAfter interviewing two people who I assumed would know a lot about

the campaign and the issues of education I turned to two people who I was not sure on their knowledge of the campaign. One is a member of the blue collar working force and the other is a veteran teacher.

Nick Atkin is a blue collar maintenance millwright. He graduated high school in 2002 and has the same job since slightly before he graduated. After talking to Nick I learned that he does not know much about the political campaign nor does he pay any attention to it. Nick does not often vote unless there is a local issue on the ballot. Talking to Nick I also learned that he doesn’t know who to vote for and might turn to someone else to find out who the best candidate is.

Being that Nick has heard very little on what the candidates views were I was curious what the little he had heard was about. He said he has only heard about the economy and he thinks that this is what the most important aspect of this campaign is because it is such a needed aspect to be talked about. This idea of the economy struck me. I was aware that we are having economy issues and I agreed that I hadn’t heard much about education. This is also exactly what Ms. Beth Becker a veteran teacher said. She being a teacher, also said that she thought the economy was there biggest concern. It seems to me that the people who know little about the campaign see it mostly about the economy and those who are informed see each issue as individually equal.

Along with Nick, Ms. Becker does not follow the campaign very closely. She says when she votes though, they she will vote for someone who supports education, because that is her job. Looking back on all my interviews I found that people who are close to the government circle are very informed and those pretty far out, have no idea about any of the issues. This is very interesting

How Does All of This Information Effect Me

Before doing this research project I had never really thought about the campaign. When I hear about it on the news or on a TV station I change the channel. I have heard about it too much, however I have never really listened. I don’t care to hear what Senator Obama did ten years ago because this is now. I have learned so much from the candidates and from random people about the campaign, and these were just ideas or stances on one issue! This just makes me think about how much more information is out there.

I should be paying attention to the Presidential Candidates views because this person will be my president for the first four years of my future job and can and will have a major impact on my career. In college you are prepared for your job but things changes, rules change, and expectations change based on what those above (president, congress), view as important. No Child Left Behind played a major role in changing the education system and it is possible that another great change could happen in the near future.

All of this information effects me because now I feel like I need to pay more attention to the campaign and it is not just about the economy. Although the economy is a major issue I also now feel that I need to pay close attention to the aspect of the education as well.

My Opinion

I can say that I voted in the primary and I plan to vote in the general election I just have no idea who to vote for. I am proud to say now that I am informed on the candidates views on education. I plan on using this information to get a better glimpse into the ideas of the Presidential Candidates.

To begin we have Senator Clinton. She would like to mandate a universal kindergarten for students starting with a kindergarten for 4 year olds. She believes that if a student starts school young that it shows they will stay in school longer. She also wants to give more money to IDEA and students with disabilities. Overall it looks like Senator Clinton wants to help students who are in need or students who in the past have a bad record when it comes to education.

Next we have Senator Obama. He would like to reform NCLB so that teachers are not only forced to only teach students how to fill in bubbles. He believes that as parents it is our job to get students off the video games and back studying and playing outside. He would also like to reduce the drop out rate and increase America’s ability in Math and Science, where we lack compared to other countries.

Finally we have Senator John McCain. Mr. McCain is all about equality. He believes all students should live up the same standards and expectations. He also believes that if the school won’t change then students should have the right to change schools like high powered individuals in this world

A Little More About What I ThinkLooking over the main ideas of each of these candidates, I don’t think

there is one major candidate that sticks out. I like Senator Clinton’s idea about having a universal kindergarten. I think all students should have the opportunity to go to an equal kindergarten. However, I also think that Mrs. Clinton also feels strongly about those who don’t do well and those who are dropping out. I am curious what she will do for those who do well.

When it comes to Senator Obama I love his idea of reforming NCLB. I agree that as teachers there are so many standards and regulations, all so students can do well on a standardized test. I also agree that to do well should start with the parents. I agree that parents should be the first step in reforming education.

Finally is Senator McCain. I am a democrat so I am not sure how much I really will be interested in his ideas. However to be fair I like his idea about equality. We shouldn’t expect high standards from some students and low standards from others. I think if we are going to set standards, like senator McCain said, then everyone should be on the same level.

Overall I think that all the candidates have good ideas, and all candidates have ideas that could use work. After reviewing this ideas my question I pose to all of them is how much of this is really going to change or matter once you become president, because we all know now they are selling themselves.

How Could My Future Classroom Be different From How I See It Now??

As a future teacher I have dreams for my future classroom. I know my classroom will change based on my experiences and my future growth in education. My classroom will also change based on the rules, regulations, and requirements set forth by those in charge. My physical classroom may not change in appearance but what goes on in the classroom will probably change. When Ms. Becker started teaching she had a lot more room from freedom and creativity and that is all gone now due to standards and all of the expectations. Not the expectations are a bad thing but soon I have a feeling my day will be mapped out minute for minute with no room for creativity and individualism.

Currently I have a set of state standards to teach by and a set of expectations to reach so my students will do well on the state tests. I look forward to my own classroom and following these rules, however how many rules until the creativity is gone.

The Presidential Campaign matters because the person who will next lead our country could be bringing another big change for our education system. The person who leads our country plays a big role in leading change and their views of education will play a huge role in the future of our education and my future career.

WORKS CITED• Atkin, Nick. Personal interview. 16 Apr. 2008.

• "Barack Obama Background." Religion and Politics 2008. 2007. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. 15 Apr. 2008

<http://pewforum.org/religion08/profile.php?CandidateID=2>.

• "Barack Obama on Education." On the Issues: Every Political Leader on Every Issue. 3 Dec. 2007. Des Moines Register Democratic Debate. 15 Apr. 2008

<http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Education.htm>.

• Becker, Beth. E-Mail interview. 17 Apr. 2008.

• Clinton, Hillary. "Improving Our Schools." Hillary for President. Hillary Clinton for President. 15 Apr. 2008

<http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/education/>.

• "Hillary Clinton Background." Religion and Politics 2008. 2007. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. 15 Apr. 2008

<http://pewforum.org/religion08/profile.php?CandidateID=2>.

• "Hillary Clinton on Education." On the Issues: Every Political Leader on Every Issue. 31 Mar. 2008. Take Back America Conference 2008. 15

Apr. 2008 <http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Hillary_Clinton_Education.htm>.

Works Cited Con’t• "John McCain Background." Religion and Politics 2008. 2007. The Pew

Forum on Religion & Public Life. 15 Apr. 2008 <http://pewforum.org/religion08/profile.php?CandidateID=2>.

• "John McCain on Education." On the Issues: Every Political Leader on Every Issue. 27 Sept. 1999. Candidacy Declaration Speech. 15 Apr. 2008 <http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/John_McCain_Education.htm>.

• McCain, John. "Education." McCain. John McCain 2008. 15 Apr. 2008 <http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/19ce50b5-daa8-4795-b92d-92bd0d985bca.htm>.

• Obama, Barack. "Education." Obama 08' Obama for America. 15 Apr. 2008 <http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/#k-12>.

• Sulewski, Joy. E-Mail interview. 15 Apr. 2008.

• Wagener, Tony. E-Mail interview 19 Apr. 2008.