Mitt Romney’s Education Policy

Several months ago, I wrote to all potential 2013 Presidents and inquired about their views on education. The only reply I received was from Barack Obama.

However, Mitt Romney’s website allows me to receive pre-prepared emails on certain policy issues. So, I entered my email address, hit “send”, and quickly got his canned response. Since the other Republican candidates had dropped out of the race by then (or didn’t, but can’t win anyway), I didn’t bother pursuing the matter further with them.

I’ll comment further on the replies received from Obama and Romney soon, but for now, here’s what Team Romney had to say on education.

Michael,

Thank you for contacting me regarding my education policy. I appreciate your interest in my campaign for president and would like to thank you for taking the time to share your views on this very important issue with me.

The future of our country depends on the quality of education available to our children. I believe that every American child should have access to a great education. As Governor of Massachusetts, I consistently championed the needs of students. During my third year as governor, Massachusetts’s fourth and eighth grade students led the nation in both reading and math scores on the National Assessment of Education Progress exams. No other state had achieved this accomplishment, and Massachusetts’s success was a testament to the positive results that accountability and high expectations for all students, teachers and administrators can produce.

Accountability is central to our effort to create and maintain a globally competitive system of education, ensuring that American graduates are prepared for future success. As governor, I supported the requirement that Massachusetts’s high school seniors pass an exit exam in order to graduate. Rewarding success is equally important, and this is why I created the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, which provided a four-year tuition-free scholarship to any state institution of higher learning for students who graduated in the top 25% at their respective schools. In 2006, more than 14,000 scholarships were offered to Massachusetts students. I believe in America, and our students can achieve great things when prepared and challenged.

My track record as Governor of Massachusetts demonstrates my commitment to America’s students. I know the power of education and the opportunities that America has to offer. I am running for President of the United States to ensure that this country continues to be a nation where any individual can succeed.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I encourage you to visit my website at www.MittRomney.com for updated information on this and other issues that may be of interest to you. I look forward to hearing from you in the future and earning your support.

Sincerely,

Mitt Romney