As the U.S. presidential election approaches, education funding and policy discussions are intensifying. Candidates are outlining their visions for education, with significant implications for K-12 schools, higher education, and special education funding. Voters will also face various education-related ballot measures across multiple states.
Key Takeaways
Candidates Harris and Trump present starkly different education policies.
Voters will decide on numerous education-related measures on November 5.
Special education funding disparities raise concerns about outcomes.
Candidates' Education Policies
The education policies of the two major presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, highlight their differing approaches to education reform.
Kamala Harris: Advocates for increased federal investment in public education, including free universal preschool for 4-year-olds and maintaining the U.S. Department of Education.
Donald Trump: Proposes reducing the federal role in education, promoting school choice, and eliminating the Department of Education altogether.
Key Issues on State Ballots
On November 5, voters across the country will also weigh in on various education-related measures, including:
School Choice Initiatives: States like Colorado and Kentucky are proposing measures to expand school choice, allowing parents to direct their children's education.
Funding for Education: Missouri voters will decide on a measure to fund early childhood literacy programs through new revenue from expanded riverboat casinos.
Leadership Changes: Elections for state education superintendents and boards of education will take place in several states, influencing local education policies.
Special Education Funding Disparities
Recent analyses reveal significant disparities in special education spending across school districts, raising questions about the effectiveness of funding allocations.
Spending Variations: In Washington, spending per special education student ranges from $8,708 to $33,056, with no clear correlation to better academic outcomes.
Rising Costs: Special education now accounts for over 14.5% of Washington's public education budget, prompting calls for increased funding and scrutiny of spending practices.
The Importance of Early Education
Both candidates recognize the importance of early education, but their approaches differ:
Harris: Supports expanding access to free preschool programs, emphasizing the long-term benefits of early childhood education.
Trump: Has not prioritized early education in his campaign, with some proposals suggesting cuts to existing programs like Head Start.
Conclusion
As the election nears, education funding and policy discussions are at the forefront of voters' minds. The outcomes of these discussions will shape the future of education in the U.S., impacting everything from K-12 funding to special education services. Voters are encouraged to consider the implications of their choices on November 5, as the decisions made could have lasting effects on the educational landscape.
Sources
Where Harris and Trump stand on education | NJ Spotlight News, NJ Spotlight News.
What’s on state ballots for education in the 2024 elections, K-12 Dive.
What the presidential candidates have done − and where they stand − on education, The Conversation.
How Are Black and Latino Men Faring after Developmental Education Reform? - Public Policy Institute of California, Public Policy Institute of California.
How much does your school district spend on special education per student? • Washington State Standard, Washington State Standard.
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