3. According to Laura Bush, what is the "No Child Left Behind" Act? Why is it a campaign issue?

4. How can you tell if schools are improving or not?

5. Do you think schools have improved in the last four years? Why or why not?

6. Should the federal government be involved in improving schools? If so, what should they do?

Then go to the Department of Education website (or have print outs if no computer access) to explain the "No Child Left Behind Act." Use discretion for grade appropriateness. Higher levels could read the plan themselves, and lower level/age groups could have information summarized by the teacher.

Add information onto the graphic organizer according to the Act, and then compare proposed student solutions to the proposed governmental solutions. Debrief by explaining certain policies like testing and teacher "qualification" that are now being mandated according to NCLB, and allow students to discuss their ideas.

2. Do you think the act has affected education and schools? In what way?

3. Will consideration of educational issues affect your vote for president in November?

4. Which candidate, in your view, has a more realistic view of improving education?

Share results in class, and discuss differences in responses among the different groups (parents vs. administrators, students vs. teachers, etc.). Then go to the official party websites to research platforms on education.

Republican Party
click on "GOP Agenda", then click on "Education."