Education, is it a priority?

I like to read the blog of Scott Adams creator of Dilbert. Early in September, at his own expense, he commissioned a survey of 500 economists to determine which candidate has the best plans for the economy. The results were interesting, but the most interesting for me was the fact that the number one economic priority was education with 71% rating it an eight or higher on a scale of 1-10. These are economists representing democratic, republican, and independent political perspectives. The survey was completed before the events of the last month, but that is not my purpose for this post.


Why this post considering I try to stay away from political conversations? Because finally the candidates talked about education in last night's debate. Not long, but long enough for Obama to say "that education has more to do with our economic future than anything . . ". That sounds like education is really important though the questions didn't provide for much time or a better understanding of their positions. It was mostly about vouchers, waivers, early childhood interventions, and teacher salary; things that we hear much about and that lend themselves to sound bites.


If it is so "important', then why do we not hear more about it? Why is the majority of information about our profession negative news about what we are not doing or accomplishing? Why is it so easy for politicians to say it is a high priority and then to lose sight of the priority once in office? Why would a diverse group of economists suggest it is the number one economic priority?



What would it look, sound, and feel like if someone with the authority and commitment actually aligned their behavior with their stated beliefs that education is in fact the number one priority or I'd even settle for a top five?