In a state where just 36 percent of eighth graders are proficient in math and 37 percent are proficient in reading according to national assessments, education deserves more attention. Across the country, more parents are making informed decisions about their child's education, but for Hawkeye State parents without resources, choices can be difficult to come by in a system where a child's education is largely determined by zip code. As Iowans head to the polls this November, it is important they seek out candidates that share their views in putting student results first, regardless of party or politics.
Governor Terry Branstad says that he "believes in parental choice in education," and cites his strong support of providing tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that cover tuition for low-income students to attend private schools. Currently, tax credit-funded scholarship programs pay tuition for approximately 190,000 students nationwide, a school-choice program participation level that is surpassed only by enrollment in charter schools.
Branstad established an incentive-bonus program for teachers that deliver increased student performance, and advocated for -- but didn't get -- tougher hiring standards for teachers; reforms to ease the firing of bad teachers also were included.
While he supports charter schools and wants to see them grow - impressively advocating for the expansion of charter authorizers from only school districts to include universities, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations - Branstad also wants to subject them to all public employee restrictions, including collective bargaining mandates.
Challenger Jack Hatch's K-12 education policy platform apparently is: "invest in the best teachers, the best school buildings and the best curriculum." Hatch's "specific plan to begin the comeback for education in Iowa" is anything but, as it lacks specifics of how to get there.
While educators and parents are doing inspiring things everyday at the classroom and community level to further student outcomes, reform and innovation in schools go only so far as the laws that govern them. The key to solving the nation's education crisis is electing governors who understand that they have the power to change a system, and holding them accountable to do so. With 36 gubernatorial elections underway in 2014, we should all resolve to make education our top priority when we take to the polls in November.
It's up to Iowa voters to spot the candidate who has a chance of continuing the implementation of state-level reforms that have been gaining traction in Des Moines and have proven successful elsewhere across the nation.
As families increasingly demand positive change at rallies and in their communities, now is the time to demand it at the ballot box.
Kara Kerwin is president of The Center for Education Reform.
