Editorial: A new leader for education reform

With this president, the messenger may make a difference.

March 12, 2009 at 1:16AM

About 40 days into his presidency, Barack Obama did not hold back in his first major address on American education. He spoke bluntly about its failures, criticized both Democratic and Republican reform resisters and made it plain that many elements of public education need change.

Obama emphasized "cradle-to-career" education strategies that aren't necessarily new. But some have failed to advance because of entrenched party, union or other special interest opposition. On Tuesday, before the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Obama seemed determined to take on those opponents. His choice for education secretary -- Arne Duncan, a former Chicago school superintendent known for courageous reform -- shows he is serious.

Hopefully, because of Obama's background, force of personality and strong public confidence, Americans will be more willing to listen, put aside partisanship and move forward with these long-needed educational policies.

Among his priorities are several education strategies this editorial page has long supported. Obama rightly called for more investment in quality early childhood learning. Calling preschool his first pillar of education reform, he stressed that new federal dollars will go to states with quality programs.

The president also held up longer school days and years as a way to be more globally competitive. A move to adjust America's antiquated nine-month school calendar is indeed long overdue.

On several contentious social issues as well as education, Obama has taken moderate positions largely as promised during his campaign -- taking a page from the playbook of former President Bill Clinton. On Tuesday Obama not only reiterated his campaign endorsement of merit pay for teachers for improved student achievement, but he also called on states to allow the expansion of charter schools. Neither are positions that have been warmly embraced by teacher unions or traditional Democrats.

To carry out government's part, he and Congress are sending $100 billion to schools through the economic stimulus bill. About 15 percent of that money will begin leveraging school reforms.

Also consistent with his campaign message, the president emphasized the personal and family responsibilities that no government or school program can completely replicate. By once again imploring parents and guardians to "turn off the TV," Obama reinforced research that shows a child's first, best and most influential teaching begins at home.

Again, that's not a new idea. But coming from an African-American, biracial family man who rose from modest means to become president, that message should resonate more strongly with Americans -- especially those who most need to hear it.

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