Political Parties

What are the party platforms regarding education?

The platforms of the Democratic National Party and the Republican National Party differ mainly on the issue of public schools. The Republican Party has little faith in the performance of the public school system and therefore supports vouchers for private schools and charter schools instead of public school. The Democratic Party believes in the public school system and believes that low cost schooling should be available to everyone who qualifies. Also the DNP believes that more state funding should go to schools and a college tuition tax deduction should be instituted.

What divides either party on education?

The main division between the two main parties is the public school system. But there is little division within parties as far as education goes. Some Republicans do not like the voucher system and some Democrats do not support added state funding to schools. These separations are based on individual beliefs and the circumstances of the individual’s state budget respectively along with other variables.

Are there any 3rd parties that have a significant impact on education policy?

Third parties do not have a very significant impact on education reform but one of the more interesting proposals from a third party was one from Libertarian Daniel Imperato. He proposed an initiative to develop a US online education system. We will see if that proposal has any impact on the education system.