The United States has always been criticized for its weakness in education. Although the country is considered the greatest superpower of the world, it has constantly been at the rear of education. Other countries seem to have more core academic instruction, better success rates, a longer school year, and quicker learning, such as starting to read and write and starting certain math and science subjects at earlier ages. The United States however has been slowly improving since 1963. Despite such slow and steady change, education has almost always been one of the predominant issues in the presidential elections. This topic particularly played a significant role in the 2000 Presidential Election. Education was a main issue in this election, especially between the Republican and Democratic candidates, not only because of the fact that it is in dire need of reforms and improvements, but also for several other reasons as well.Although George W. Bush, the Republican candidate, and Al Gore, the Democratic candidate, have extremely opposing views and plans concerning education, they also share a great deal in common. Al Gore’s policy on education supports a 10-year, $115 billion plan paid for by an education trust fund financed with ten percent of the surplus that is not dedicated to Social Security or debt reduction (Crowley 6). He is opposed to school vouchers for private, religious, and home schools, however he does support national education standards. He says, “We need to invest and demand more; not aim too invest too little and drain resources away from public schools with private school vouchers,” (Snow 2). Gore would encourage states to test their students, but he would measure progress based on a natural test. States and school districts would be required to identify failing schools. If those schools didn’t turn around within two years, they’d be shut down and reopened with a new principal (S...
