John McCain has been relatively quiet on science, in spite of his belated answers to Science Debate 2008. Particularly worrisome is his apparent disconnect with the need to improve, nay overhaul (see the recent NAS publication "Rising Above the Gathering Storm"), K-12 science education. One of his few statements came in a primary debate on Univision, the major Spanish-language network:
Choice and competition is (sic) the key to success in education in America. That means charter schools, that means home schooling, it means vouchers, it means rewarding good teachers and finding bad teachers another line of work. It means rewarding good performing schools, and it really means in some cases putting bad performing schools out of business. I want every American parent to have a choice, a choice as to how they want their child educated, and I guarantee you the competition will dramatically increase the level of education in America.
That statement really shows a disconnect. Independent of whether any of the things he mentions are good ideas, and there is another debate there, they do nothing to address the real problem, which is that there is a terrible dearth of well-qualified math and science teachers. Our education system seems to produce a few excellent scientists and engineers, and a lot of ignoramuses. The former don't want to teach K-12, they didn't study science for that reason, and the latter consider science akin to magic, or worse, faith.
That said, Obama was better, but not enough better.
Barack Obama will emphasize the importance of technology literacy, ensuring that all public school children are equipped with the necessary science, technology and math skills to succeed in the 21st century economy. Access to computers and broadband connections in public schools must be coupled with qualified teachers, engaging curricula, and a commitment to developing skills in the field of technology. This is central to the competitiveness of our nation's technology sector and of our citizens. Obama also believes that we must strengthen math and science education to help develop a skilled workforce and promote innovation. He will work to increase our number of science and engineering graduates, encourage undergraduates studying math and science to pursue graduate studies, and work to increase the representation of minorities and women in the science and technology pipeline, tapping the diversity of America to meet the increasing demand for a skilled workforce. If we export our best software and engineering jobs to developing countries, it is less likely that America will benefit from the next generation innovations in nanotechnology, electronics, and biotechnology. We must have a skilled workforce so that we can retain and grow jobs requiring 21st century skills rather than forcing employers to find skilled workers abroad.
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