Opinion Poll on Obama & Education

Phi Delta Kappa International, a professional education society based in Bloomington, Indiana, and the Gallup Organization in Princeton, New Jersey, recently conducted a nationwide survey of 1003 adults aged 18 and older about President Obama’s efforts in education during his first six months in office. Forty-five percent of respondents gave the President an A or B; however, the public lacks confidence in the public schools. Only 19% of those surveyed gave American schools top grades. Topics included in the survey included the economy (and its effect on schools), the national No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and annual testing, and merit pay for teachers. The survey showed the public is concerned about the lack of funding for schools. Whereas only 24% of those surveyed believe the NCLB is having a positive effect on their community, 66% of respondents support assessments to measure the progress of third and eighth graders. Seventy-two percent of people surveyed are in favor of merit pay for teachers.

Where do you stand on these issues? It is important for parents to understand how legislation affects their children and schools. You can become a better advocate for your child by researching these issues yourself. You can start by searching topics of interest at the Oregon Department of Education’s website (www.ode.state.or.us) or the national Department of Education’s site (www.ed.gov).