Economic integration is the key

You couldn't tell from the Republican primary season so far, but education, as a campaign issue, should move to the forefront of voter concern as we approach the fall election. A College Board poll last month reported that two-thirds of voters in nine swing states felt education is extremely important to them personally. About the same time, a task force report from the Council on Foreign Relations declared, "Educational failure puts the United States future economic prosperity, global position, and physical safety at risk." By the time the formal campaign for president begins in early September, the candidates will be talking a lot more about the subject — especially since the same poll showed that voters link education to getting the economy on track.

By James Campbell

May 2, 2012