The Missing Link: Education’s Muted Voice in the Political Arena

 Most people would agree that education is one of the most important components of any country’s infrastructure. The quality of education that people have access to is a key determinant of their life outcomes. Schools are cornerstones of communities with the power to attract businesses and families of varying socioeconomic statues. The quality and breadth of a country’s education system directly influences its ability to compete and succeed in the global economy.

Despite education’s monumental importance and pervasive influence in our society, it was barely discussed in this year’s presidential election. Debate after debate, the topic of education failed to make its grand entrance onto the well-lit stage. How could such a salient topic go unnoticed in the greatest political arena on earth?

In Baltimore City’s recent mayoral election, most of the near dozen candidates dedicated some portion of their proposed plan to education. Nick Mosby’s plan included a citywide community school program, universal pre-kindergarten and early head start programs for children with disabilities. Sheila Dixon stressed the importance of forming strategic partnerships, preparing teachers for success, and attracting as well as retaining effective principals. Mayor-elect Catherine Pugh outlined her plan to restore governance of schools to Baltimore City, employ year round literacy programs for youth, and expand learning methodologies.

A quick search of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign website leads me to his own plan for revamping our country’s education system. It seems like every candidate out there knows that education is too important to leave out of their platform, yet not important enough to be a key theme of their campaign.