With all this talk about our broken system of education finance, President Obama's recent executive order, the question on whether or not your money is actually going to the most needy schools, the many law suits that result from the system itself, and a new Californian law that create change in schools by empowering community organizing... it seems ambivalent that we aren't speaking more about what the to-be political officials whom we will be working closely with to impact our schools, actually think about the matter.
So it's time to get schooled ourselves, on our candidates and their views on education. Yes, some people say that they don't want education to become political. But with the election around the corner, it is hard to avoid the reality that local and state politicians have the power to lead our communities in many directions. Whether discussing raising funds for programs, developing charter schools, and simply creating or cutting music classes based on the true need of their students -- it will effect our youth, their future, and the future of our country. Watch these videos (answers to some of the questions that were submitted from online voters) via 10questions.com and learn more about what some of the 2010 candidates are really saying when it comes to elections. "What's with the thumbs up/thumbs down?" -- you ask. Well, we aren't asking if you like the answer, just to tell us if they've answered it... because this isn't a popularity contest or a partisan smack down, but instead, an opportunity to provide direct feedback to candidates. So did they answer it? Or is it yet another soundbite? Here are a few of the candidate's answers to get you going...
WHAT WILL PA'S NEXT GOVERNOR DO FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION?
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CAN WE MOVE GEORGIA EDUCATION FROM THE BOTTOM INTO THE TOP 50 PERCENT
Michael Clark of Lawrenceville, Georgia asked his candidates, "The state has rank 48th, 49th, or 50th in education for my entire life and I am 69 years old. In every election we hear about improving education. What will it take to move Georgia from the very bottom ratings into the top 50 percent and why can't we do it?
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MUSIC EDUCATION IN ARIZONA -- IS IT IMPORTANT?
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STUDENTS RIGHTS & PROPER RESOURCES IN MINNESOTA
Visit 10questions for more answers from 43 of the most competitive 2010 election races about education, as well as topics such as the environment, job creation, medical marijuana, taxes and "don't ask don't tell."
About 10questions.com
Candidates have more mediums than ever via which to broadcast their talking points. Most times they stick to their soundbites, sidestep hard-hitting questions, and ride off to kiss more babies. Just as technology is providing candidates with more opportunities to dodge questions, it's also empowering voters to hold candidates accountable in new ways. 10Questions.com -- a truly crowdsourced online people-powered candidate forum that seeks to involve millions of voters in prioritizing the questions they want answered, and moving politicians away from sound-bites to in-depth discussion of issues -- is one example of the latter.