COMMENTARY | Mitt Romney's education plan demonstrates again why he is the best choice to lead America. Romney has become the clear choice for fiscally responsible voters who are also concerned about the crumbling state of the public school system. Romney's plan also addresses the growing cost of a college education, according to an Equal Justice Works article published on US News and World Report.
Romney understands the value of not only two-year degrees but occupational certifications. The less expensive modes of higher education place students in the workforce sooner without crippling college loan payments. The reasonable reforms rightfully note that throwing more money at public schools will not increase academic performance.
According to "A Choice for Every Child" excerpts published in the American Spectator, high schools rank only 14th in reading out of the world's 34 developed countries. Second place is not good enough for America, and 14th is beyond disgraceful. The U.S. ranked even worse in math and science. Statistics quoted in Romney's education plan also note America spends almost twice as much per student than nearly any other country, yet students continue to sink below the satisfactory achievement bar.
Romney illustrated he is a politician with a spine as strong as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's when boldly and correctly stating the real source of our academic downfall -- teachers unions. Romney is not planning a war against teachers. Walker's success in revamping antiquated collective bargaining laws might likely become a part of Romney's model for fiscal and academic when he wins in November.
While Romney might not be taking the traditional small government stance on eliminating the Department of Education, according to Hispanic Business, he does support the logical idea of school choice and meaningful teacher performance evaluations. Even though Romney is poised to battle the all-powerful unions, it will be difficult for Barack Obama to attack him on the finer points of his plan.
The president's education initiatives overlap significantly with Romney's plan, Hispanic Business reports. Walker implemented groundbreaking education legislation in his state, now it is time for Romney to do the same on a nationwide scale.
