It’s hard to believe, but the 2016 US Presidential Election is coming up quickly. We here at EdSurge, like many, will be watching the race with great interest and curiosity as the candidates’ views will shape the education debate and policy around the country.
We'll try to do our best impression of Woodward & Bernstein for this election, and we'll keep this page regularly updated as new developments and soundbites emerge.
Last update: May 4, 2015. Jeb Bush, who is widely expected to make a run (and is a known supporter of Common Core), has not formally announced his candidacy.
Democrats
Former Sec. of State Hillary Clinton
Notable education stances:
- Earned endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers in 2008 campaign
- Voiced concerns about No Child Left Behind during 2008 campaign (but supported the law when it was passed in 2001)
- Has described Common Core as a "good idea" that has been taken hostage by political debate
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Notable education stances:
- Voted for the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind in 2011
- Advocates for "making college affordable for all" and government action to decrease student debt
Republicans
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Notable education stances:
- Would repeal Common Core
- Supports additional school choice for students, has previously co-sponsored legislation to expand school choice
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)
Notable education stances:
- Would shut down Department of Education
- Would repeal Common Core to “give control back to the states, localities and parents.”
- Currently serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Notable education stances:
- Opposes Common Core
- Would shut down the Department of Education
- Broadly supports increased school choice & vouchers
Dr. Ben Carson
Notable education stances:
- Would overturn Common Core
- Supports increased school choice & vouchers
- Wants to return schools and districts to "local control"
Carly Fiorina
Notable education stances:
- Opposes Common Core as "too heavy handed"
- Supports increased school choice for students and their parents
