No Child Left Behind in Alaska
The No Child Left behind Act is a specific plan to expand the federal government's role in education. The act includes standardized testing in all states, requires schools to reach a proficient level in education by 2013-14, and imposes penalties for schools who fail to meet those standards. Also, teachers must have proficient schooling or pass an evaluation in order to receive a position (Editoral Projects in Education).
Views on No Child Left Behind
Tony Knowles Opposes |
Lisa Murkowski Supports |
Knowles would like to see the act repealed The federal standards set in place are too strict and put stress on children who have to take the tests Knowles purposes states should submit their own education plan to the federal government
(Knowles, 3/4/2004) and (Knowles website, 2004) |
Murkowski likes the act but would like to make some minor changes to it She sites that under the act federal funding for Alaska schools has increased by $191 million The act provides accountability in the school system Some minor changes include allowing native students to take tests in their native languages and relaxing the “qualified” teachers requirement
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Watch Knowles ad "Education" or View Murkowski ad "Best Possible"
Who is Being Represented?
There are many different groups who are affected by education policies. The largest group is the entire state (626,932) (Census, 2000). The sub-groups include those registered to vote (473,648), those who do vote (287,825 in the 2000 election) (Alaska Division of Elections, 12/05/2000), those employed by schools (8,300 teachers) (Knowles, 3/4/2004), and families with school aged children (185,760 children in schools) (Census, 2000).
| Toney Knowles | Lisa Murkowski |
Teachers and school administrators Those who believe tests can't show the success of a student |
People who want a system of rewards for success and punishments for failure
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Do the views of the candidates reflect the views of the constituents?
In a national survey 76% of the people knew very little or nothing about the No Child Left behind Act (PDK/Gallup Poll, 8/18/03). Some people think the Federal standards will improve schooling conditions, while others believe that the plan is too general. It must be noted that 282 of Alaska's 500 schools flunk the federal test (Knowles, 3/4/2004). This affects those who will lose their jobs or families who have children that will have to attend other schools. The constituents desire schools that will educate children more effectively. It is in question whether No Child Left Behind will do this. While the candidates have differing views on the issue, both capture the differing views of the constituents.
| Toney Knowles | Lisa Murkowksi |
| Yes | Yes |
Works Sited Pledge
Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035
Send comments, questions, and suggestions to Jordan Sundheim
Date Created: 10/13/2004. Last Updated 10/15/2004.
Political Science 318 - Strategy and Ehtics in Election Campaigns
