Issue Gets Little Traction on Campaign Trail

By Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

We've entered the home stretch to Election Day, and the American electorate is paying closer attention to what the candidates are saying. Energy prices, the war in Iraq, and the economy have been debated extensively—rightfully so—but we haven't heard very much about an issue critical to the success of our country and our children—education.

The theme of this election has been bold change, and where could we use bold change more than in our K-12 school system? One-third of all high school students, and about one-half of minorities, do not graduate in four years. Of those who do graduate, many are not equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Many are unable to think critically, solve basic problems, or follow directions.

Lawmakers in Washington can create change by strengthening and reauthorizing No Child Left Behind. This law, by bringing accountability into American classrooms, has made it impossible for schools to hide their failures. The results are clear and encouraging—students are doing better in math and reading, and the achievement gap between blacks and Hispanics and whites is narrowing.

Policymakers at all levels should adopt principles that work in the private sector—innovation, merit-based pay, accountability, and more data collection to better measure results. They need to stand up to powerful teachers' unions that try to prevent meaningful reforms.

Education reform cannot be an elective. It's a requirement for competing and winning in the global economy.