Melissa Lazar’n on a Presidnet Obama's Education Priorities

What does President ObamaÕs budget say about his education priorities?

Education is clearly emerging as one of the presidentÕs top priority issues and his budget blueprint really outlines a bold approach to transforming AmericaÕs public schools. Innovation really seems to be driving his education agenda and we see that in three ways in his budget blueprint. First, we are seeingÑweÕll likely see large increases for charter schools, which have been important incubators for new education reforms, including expanded learning time. Second, weÕll look at the way competitive compensation systems can insure that every child has access to an effective teacher in the classroom. And third, this administration wants to look at the way alternative certification programs can get new teachers into the classroom. And I think that these three approaches are very promising for American schools.

What types of initiatives should we expect to see in the next year?

Well I think we can really expect to see increased support for expanding early childhood education programs for all children from birth to five. I think that both the economic recovery package and the presidentÕs blueprint point to increased attention to standards and assessments, and I think combined with Secretary DuncanÕs interest in common standards that we hope that thisÑthese investments will move the conversation on national standards forward.

How will the budget affect the No Child Left Behind Act?

The president has an ambitious agenda ahead of him but itÕs very encouraging to see that he sees education as part of the solution to moving America forward; and both the budget blueprint and the economic recovery package really point to renewed interest in the reauthorization of the elementary and secondary education act, the No Child Left Behind Act. And I think that the things that emerge, the childhood education standards and assessments, and innovation will be the themes that we see again in the reauthorization.