Citizen Power, by Mike Gravel: on Education

Vouchers are innovative & imaginative--let's experiment

Unless the educational system is improved to meet the needs of today's changing society, we shall have to consider the implementation of new methods. One possibility is the voucher system soon to be tried on a limited experimental basis. Under this proposal, parents would be given vouchers which could be used to send their children to any school of their choice, public or private, or, if they prefer, to engage in specialized education activities such as apprenticeships. The cash value of each voucher would approximate the amount spent on the education of one child each year by the local school district. The system does offer the flexibility and the element of individual choice so often lacking in our educational institutions. However, many contend it would undermine the public school system & could be used to perpetuate segregation. Nevertheless, it is an innovative concept, something found all too seldom in education, and for that reason it merits further study & serious consideration. Source: Citizen Power, by Sen. Mike Gravel, p.159-160 Jan 1, 1972

25% bonus for teachers in hardship areas

Needy children are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to the quality of instruction. It is understandable that the most experienced, best qualified teachers would choose to pursue their profession in wealthy neighborhoods. Yet, it is the not-so-safe neighborhoods, the not-so-fine schools, and the not-so-advantaged students which most need skilled teachers. The long-range solution is obvious: eradicate urban slums and rural blight. In the meantime, however, I proposed a federally supported supplementary salary program to reward those men and women who elect to teach in educationally deprived areas. Surely if we can pay government and military personnel as much as a 25% bonus for serving in so-called "hardship" areas, we can do as much for teachers here at home. Such a program would enable financially struggling districts to compete more favorably with their wealthier counterparts in recruiting the talent to provide the quality of instruction needed by youth. Source: Citizen Power, by Sen. Mike Gravel, p.166-167 Jan 1, 1972

The above quotations are from Citizen Power A People's Platform, by Mike Gravel (published 1972). Click here for definitions & background information on Education. Click here for more quotes by Mike Gravel on Education.
*2008 Presidential contenders on Education:*
*Republicans:* Chmn.John Cox Mayor Rudy Giuliani Gov.Mike Huckabee Rep.Duncan Hunter Sen.John McCain Rep.Ron Paul Gov.Mitt Romney Sen.Fred Thompson	*Democrats:* Sen.Hillary Clinton Sen.John Edwards Sen.Mike Gravel Rep.Dennis Kucinich Sen.Barack Obama	*Third Parties:* Green: Rep.Cynthia McKinney Socialist: Brian Moore Independent: Mayor Mike Bloomberg
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