On the trail with McCain

John McCain does not identify education as a top issue on his web site (www.johnmccain.com) but he has made comments on the campaign trail.

The Brattleboro (Vt.) Reformer reported July 26 that, during a stop in New Hampshire, McCain disagreed with a teacher who said the federal No Child left Behind Act's focus on assessment takes away from instructional time. McCain said NCLB was not perfect, but it was "a good beginning," because it allows comparisons from school to school and state to state. The Reformer also said McCain expressed support for vouchers and charter schools and emphasized the need for better training in math and science.

In a July 23 appearance before the Economic Club of Southwest Michigan, McCain acknowledged the role of education in helping displaced workers adapt to a changing global economy. "We can strengthen community colleges and technical training, and give displaced workers more choices to find their way back to productive and prosperous lives," he said.