Jul 30, 2007

Mitt Romney on Education



Today's schools are falling further and further behind world standards. It is time to raise the bar on education by making teaching a true profession, measuring progress, providing a focus on math and science, and involving parents from the beginning of a child's school career.

  • "We cannot continue to have an excellence gap with the rest of the world and intend to remain the economic superpower and military superpower of the planet. That's just not going to happen," Romney said. "We're in a position where unless we take action, we'll end up being the France of the 21st century: a lot of talk, but not a lot of strength behind it in terms of economic capability."
    • Governor Romney, AP, November 16, 2005
  • "It's going to take teachers, superintendents and parents talking to their legislators saying yes, we want more money of course ... but we also want changes in the way our schools are managed. We want our principals to have the ability to manage their schools."
    • Governor Romney, AP, January 27, 2005
  • "At some point, I think America -- and, importantly, the minority communities -- are going to say, 'it's time to split with our friends, the unions and the Democratic Party, and put our kids first here.' Unequal educational opportunity is the civil rights issue of our time."
    • Governor Romney, Tulsa World, March 7, 2006
  • "If we are going to compete in the global economy, we have to set our education goals higher."
    • Governor Romney, AP, May 16, 2005

Related Links


Mitt Romney's Education Policy

Press Releases, Quotes, Speeches, and Videos from Mitt Romney about Education organized by year

 

 

Education

  1. Brian Lamb
    1. In you history, it includes Stanford for how long?
    2. You finished first in your class at Brigham Young University in Utah?
    3. Why did you go to Brigham Young ?
    4. How did you -- how were able to get an MBA and a law degree at the same time ?
    5. And clearly it would be why you did well and, as you know, you finished well enough to give the valedictory address -- the question I want to ask you though is why do you think you did well? Other than having a lot of brainpower, did you have an approach to education?

Governor Mitt Romney and Education

  • "The least of learning is done in the classrooms."
    • Thomas Merton
  • "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."
    • Mark Twain
  • "My education was dismal. I went to a series of schools for mentally disturbed teachers."
    • Woody Allen

Major Speeches

Educational Advancement

One of Governor Romney's top priorities is reforming the education system so that young people can compete for good paying jobs in the global economy of the future. In 2004, Governor Romney established the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program to reward the top 25 percent of Massachusetts high school students with a four-year, tuition-free scholarship to any Massachusetts public university or college. He also championed a package of education reforms, including merit pay, an emphasis on math and science instruction, important new intervention programs for failing schools and English immersion for foreign-speaking students.

Major Press Releases

2006 Governor Mitt Romney Education Press Releases

2005 Governor Mitt Romney Education Press Releases

2004 Governor Mitt Romney Education Pree Releases

  • 01-15-2004, Romney focuses on education in 2004 state of the state
  • 01-16-2004, Romney targets lowest performing districts
  • 01-20-2004, Romney opens door to college for top scoring students
  • 02-20-2004, Romney applauds students for early MCAS preparation
  • 02-25-2004, Romney endorses findings of Grogan task force on education
  • 05-05-2004, Romney vows charter school moratorium veto
  • 06-15-2004, Board of higher ED overwhelmingly okays Adams scholarship
  • 07-28-2004, Romney, as part of ED agenda, signs school building reforms
  • 10-05-2004, Healey recognizes 2004 commonwealth compass schools
  • 10-19-2004, Board of higher ED gives green light to Adams scholarship
  • 12-10-2004, 13,000 Massachusetts students win free college tuition

2003 Governor Mitt Romney Education Pree Releases

2006 Governor Mitt Romney Education Quotes

  • "At some point, I think America -- and, importantly, the minority communities -- are going to say, 'it's time to split with our friends, the unions and the Democratic Party, and put our kids first here.' Unequal educational opportunity is the civil rights issue of our time."
  • "The world is growing more competitive every day, and it's no secret that skills, education and knowledge will be crucial to success in the workforce of the 21st century," said Romney. "Unless our kids are fully prepared to meet the challenges that lie ahead, Massachusetts will fall behind in the competition for the best jobs."
  • "The men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard perform admirable service for our Commonwealth and for our nation," said Romney. "By making a public college education entirely free for Guard members, we recognize their tremendous dedication and sacrifice."

2005 Governor Mitt Romney Education Quotes

  • "We cannot continue to have an excellence gap with the rest of the world and intend to remain the economic superpower and military superpower of the planet. That's just not going to happen. We're in a position where unless we take action, we'll end up being the France of the 21st century: a lot of talk, but not a lot of strength behind it in terms of economic capability."
  • "It's going to take teachers, superintendents and parents talking to their legislators saying yes, we want more money of course ... but we also want changes in the way our schools are managed. We want our principals to have the ability to manage their schools."
  • "I am grateful to each of these individuals for volunteering their time and expertise to helping my Administration successfully integrate all of our early education services under one roof," Romney said. "Not only will this new agency ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent more wisely and efficiently, it will also improve the care we provide to our youngest citizens and their families."
  • "This is a great day for education reform. Massachusetts is nationally recognized for its leadership on education reform, and we need to continue down the same path if we're going to help our kids maximize their potential."
  • "This is a huge shot in the arm for our public colleges and universities. By targeting these resources to construct new facilities and upgrade existing ones, we can put our higher education system in a position to deliver the first class facilities that our students deserve."
  • "I applaud the students, teachers and staff of these excellent schools for the hard work and creativity they have demonstrated as we continue making progress toward higher achievement for all students in Massachusetts," Romney said.
  • "If we're serious about keeping our kids at the forefront of a highly challenging and competitive world economy, then we have to take the necessary steps to energize our education system," said Romney.
  • "We're making progress, there's no doubt about it, but we have more work to do. These test scores reflect the hard work and creativity of our students, teachers and schools, but they also reveal that some are still struggling. It is increasingly critical that we advance bold reforms to ensure greater accountability and performance in every classroom."
  • "teachers like Jasmine Lellock and Thabiti Brown are critical to the success of our education initiatives and are doing an outstanding job preparing our children for future success in the classroom and the world," Romney said. "Teaching professionals are the backbone of our educational system and the best should be recognized and rewarded."
  • "Our Presidential Award nominees set a great example, not only for educators in Massachusetts, but for the nation," Romney said. "Distinguished math and science teachers like these are the critical components of a public education system that will prepare us for the next century, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work, creativity and dedication."
  • "Paying for college is one of the largest financial challenges facing Massachusetts families," said Romney. "For the second year in a row, I'm pleased to reward some of our most promising and hardworking students. When it comes to figuring out how much it will cost to send a son or daughter to college, the Adams scholarship will help ease some of that burden."

2004 Governor Mitt Romney and Education Quotes

  • "Massachusetts has some of the best schools and teachers in the nation," Romney said, speaking tonight from the historic House Chamber at the State House. " Education reform, adopted a decade ago, raised standards and closed funding gaps. But it was the first step, not the last."
  • "We're horribly backlogged in renovating and rebuilding old and dilapidated schools," Romney said. "I will propose a series of construction reforms and a refinancing program that will jumpstart over 100 new and remodeled school projects."
  • "Legacy of Learning puts people first, kids first. We'll be putting our money where our future is," Romney said.
  • "There are critical investments we can and should make in our children," Romney said. "But those investments will only be made possible if we continue down the road to reform. I hope you will join with me in working for change."
  • "Families all across the Commonwealth are struggling to pay to send their children to college," Romney said. "The new Adams scholarship will make the dream of obtaining a college education a reality for thousands of Bay State students and keep our most talented students right here in Massachusetts."
  • "We can praise the virtues of parental involvement all day, but until we actually get parents to follow through we are simply singing to an empty music hall. Voluntary programs will not get the job done. It is essential that mandatory training be put in place. This will not be a strain on parent who are already hard-pressed, as some have suggested. This is mandatory counseling they are already receiving. We are simply updating it with information they will need to make their child's education a success."
  • "I am committed to unlocking the potential of every child, no matter which school they attend," Romney said. "Our children cannot wait for slow, methodic changes. They need our help now and this report will serve as a blueprint for immediate reform."
  • "Let there be no doubt, I will veto any charter school moratorium that reaches my desk," said Romney, appearing at Roxbury Preparatory Charter School with parents of children affected by the proposed moratorium.
  • "Families all across the Commonwealth are struggling to afford to send their children to college," Romney said, during a rare appearance before a meeting of the Board of Higher Education. "The new Adams scholarship will make the dream of obtaining a college education a reality for thousands of Bay State students and keep our most talented students right here in Massachusetts."
  • "Massachusetts has often been at the forefront of educational reform. In the spirit of that reform, less than seven months ago, I stood in the House Chamber surrounded by members of the General Court and asked them in my State of the State address to work with me to 'take every step, to prepare every child, for an ever more competitive future,'" said Romney. He added, "The centerpiece of my Legacy of Learning initiative included an ambitious school building program. Today I am pleased to say that, working with the Legislature, we delivered on that promise."

Mitt Romney's education related press releases while governor of Massachusetts.

2003

  • "Seeing this groundswell of student support only boosts my belief that what we are trying to do in our higher education system is right," Romney said. "I am committed to our plan, which guarantees quality, affordability and accessibility to all of our campuses for all Massachusetts residents."
  • "education reform is working in Massachusetts," Romney said. "I am proud of the progress shown by our students," said Romney. "My Administration will continue to push for high standards that will restore the value of a high school diploma and better prepare our students for life after school."
  • "We need to get our underperforming school districts back on track. It is time for the interests of the entrenched educational bureaucracy to take a back seat to the interests of our children and teachers."

Mitt Romney's Wikipedia education Entry

In 2004, Governor Mitt Romney established the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program to reward the top 25 percent of Massachusetts high school students with a four-year, tuition-free scholarship to Massachusetts' state university or colleges. He has also drafted other education reforms, including the recruitment of 1,000 skilled math and science instructors, bonuses of as much as $15,000 a year for top-performing teachers, and new intervention programs for failing schools.

 

Additionally, Romney began advocating for a nationwide focus on education through the recruitment of and better pay for math and science teachers, and allowing state governments to take control of underperforming schools after three instead of the six-year period that is now in place.

Speaking of the education provided to minority students, Romney said, "I really believe that the failure of our urban schools and, in some cases our suburban schools, to help minority students achieve the levels that are necessary for success in the workplace is the civil rights issue of our time."

In 1994 Romney, as a candidate for US Senate, pledged to vote to establish a means-tested school voucher program to allow students to attend the public or private school of their choice. He also supported abolishing the federal Department of education and favored keeping control of educational reform at the lowest level, closest to parents, teachers, and the community (Boston Globe review of 1994 campaign issues Mar 21, 2002)

In April of 2006, Romney outlined his 6-point plan for improving the country's education in an Op/Ed in the Washington Times.

Governor Mitt Romney and education Blogs

Blogs on education

education Essay that I like

Call for help

Please help me organize the best stuff first. I want it to be comprehensive. Lets links to all the blogs, and anything.

education Sub-Categories

  1. Abstinence education
  2. Charter Schools
  3. education Reform]
  4. Politics and Schools

Mitt Romney's Education:

  • Undergraduate at Stanford and Brigham Young University (Highest Honors and Valedictorian). J.D. and M.B.A. from Harvard University (Baker Scholar).

Romney graduated from the Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills (now Cranbrook Kingswood School). He met his future wife, Ann Davies (born in 1949), when she was at the Kingswood School.

After attending Stanford University for two quarters, Romney served for two and one-half years as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France. Upon returning from his mission, he transferred universities and subsequently received his B.A. with Highest Honors and as valedictorian from Brigham Young University in 1971. In 1975, Romney was awarded an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and was named a Baker scholar. In 1975 he also received his J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School.

Exterior Links

Beliefs about Mitt Romney and Education.

  1. Mitt Romney would be the best candidate to reform education].
  2. Mitt Romney supports charter schools.
  3. Mitt Romney did better in school than any of the other candidates, Republican or Democrat.

Today's schools are falling further and further behind world standards. It is time to raise the bar on education by making teaching a true profession, measuring progress, providing a focus on math and science, and involving parents from the beginning of a child's school career. 

  • "Massachusetts children cannot only lead the nation in test scores, they can be competitive with the best in the world. And the gap in achievement among races can virtually disappear."
    • Governor Mitt Romney

Today's schools are falling further and further behind world standards. It is time to raise the bar on education by making teaching a true profession, measuring progress, providing a focus on Math and Science, and involving Parents from the beginning of a child's school career.

Quotes from Mitt Romney on Education

  • "It's time to raise the bar on education by making teaching a true profession, measuring progress, providing a focus on math and science, and involving parents from the beginning of a child's school career."
    • Governor Mitt Romney

Questions for Governor Mitt Romney

Education

  1. In you history, it includes Stanford for how long?
  2. You finished first in your class at Brigham Young University in Utah ?
  3. Why did you go to Brigham Young?
  4. How did you -- how were able to get an MBA and a law degree at the same time?
  5. And clearly it would be why you did well and, as you know, you finished well enough to give the valedictory address -- the question I want to ask you though is why do you think you did well? Other than having a lot of brainpower, did you have an approach to education?

 

School Choice

Gov. Romney On His Education Record

Gov. Romney: Conservative Principles In Education

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The Romney Agenda: July 30, 2007

A Real Tax-Free Savings Program For Middle-Income Americans:

Governor Romney: "[Y]ou ought to be able to save your money and you ought to have a special tax rate [on your savings]... the tax rate ought to be absolutely zero. ... [Edwards is] going to announce today that he's in favor of a plan that let's you save $250 tax free. That's not going to pay for college, or retirement, or a car – maybe a bike..." (Gov. Mitt Romney, Delivered Remarks, Des Moines, IA, 7/26/07)

- Watch Governor Romney Discuss The Edwards Tax Increase Plan.

- Read About Governor Romney's Vision For Lower Taxes And Tax-Free Savings.

America's Strength:

Unlike Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), Governor Romney Will Not Meet With Some Of The World's Worst Dictators. "Romney says Obama was wrong to say he'd meet with the leaders of Iran, Syria and North Korea. 'The president of the United States does not bestow our dignity and the power of our reputation around the world around those people,' Romney says. 'It's a remarkable difference if a Democratic president like Barack Obama were running this country.'" (O. Kay Henderson, "Romney Sides With Clinton In Foreign Policy Spat," Radio Iowa, 7/26/07) 

- Read Governor Romney's Statement On The Democrat Debate And Senator Obama.

- Read The Romney Vision In Response To The Democrat Debate.

Protecting Our Children:

Governor Romney Proposed A "One-Strike, You're Ours" Law For Those Convicted Of Preying On Children Using The Internet. We need new, tougher federal penalties for first-time offenders who use the Internet to sexually assault children, including stiff mandatory jail time to be followed by lifetime tracking by Global Positioning Satellite (GPS).

- Read A Statement From Massachusetts Law Enforcement In Support Of "One Strike, You're Ours."

- Listen To Michigan Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard Endorse "One Strike, You're Ours."

Governor Romney Will Enforce Our Nation's Obscenity Laws. We need to require the Department of Justice to enforce our existing federal obscenity laws.

Governor Romney Will Punish And Fine Retailers For Selling Excessively Violent And Sexually Explicit Video Games To Minors. While the current system of voluntary self-regulation of video games has improved, we still need to do more to protect our children.

Governor Romney Will Work To Prevent Pornography From Reaching Children On Their Computers. Governor Romney will work with computer and software companies to ensure that every home computer has effective software to filter out unwanted pornography.

- Read Governor Romney's Full Plan To Protect Our Children.

- Read Governor Romney's Initiative To Guard Our Children On Their Computers.

- Watch Governor Romney Discuss The Need To Guard Our Children While They Use Their Computers.

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Romney Tries To Build On Strong N.H. Polls

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney visited New Hampshire on Wednesday, where, in contrast to national polls, he holds a sizable lead. Scott Spradling reports.

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Mitt Romney in Council Bluffs

Added: April 20, 2007
From: IowaPoliticsDotCom
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney... Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney campaigns in Council Bluffs.

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Mitt Romney Meets With Media in Ames

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a GOP presidential candidate, discusses his pro-life stance and religion with media members May 9 in Ames.

Go to http://blogs.iowapolitics.com/multimedia for more video from IowaPolitics.com

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Mitt Romney after Des Moines luncheon

Added: May 30, 2007
From: IowaPoliticsDotCom
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney... Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney talks to the media following the May 30 Greater Des Moines Partnership luncheon at the Des Moines Marriott.

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Mitt Romney after Des Moines forum

Added: July 03, 2007
From: IowaPoliticsDotCom
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney... Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican presidential candidate, talks with the media after a June 30 candidate forum sponsored by the Iowans for Tax Relief/Iowa Christian Alliance.

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Mitt Romney speaks in Winterset

Added: July 27, 2007
From: IowaPoliticsDotCom

Iowa's premier political news site: http://www.iowapolitics.com

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a GOP presidential candidate, discusses Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards' savings plan and other differences he has with Democrats at a July 27 gathering in Madison County.

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On Air With Don And Roma In Chicago

I had the chance to talk live with Don and Roma last week on their WLS Radio program in Chicago last week. It's always a little nerve-wracking to do an interview live, especially for me as I don't have a lot of experience doing it. I can't help it: I think about the risk that I'll say something stupid, that I'll fumble badly over my words, that I'll forget to wear my pants, etc. But Don and Roma were nice to talk to so they put me at ease.

Here's a link where you can hear part of the interview: 

And here are a couple of photos from the interview:
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Posted at 2007-07-30 08:20:29 by Matt Romney
 
 
Comments
 

Sounds like you did a great job! I would've been so nervous. It seems that the more people are exposed your dad, around the country, the more they like him! I'm confident that national poll numbers will rise, the more states your dad is able to visit and get to meet people face-to-face.

Posted by Sara in AZ at 2007-07-30 10:14:57

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I was born and raised in Chicago. I grew up listening to WLS, this post brought back fond memories for me. Your interview was great! They were friendly interviews and you stayed on target reinforcing your father's statements. You're a wonderful campaign asset! I'm looking forward to hearing more interviews from you.

Posted by tk at 2007-07-30 10:15:01

Spacer

You did a great job in the interview. You've got great genes and come from good stock... And you become who you hang around. You absolutely have a great family and we appreciate all of your sacrifice in this season of primary elections. Hey, get your dad to comMITT to write a tad more often on your blog. :)

Posted by Angel at 2007-07-30 09:22:35

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Harry Caray's Restaurant in Chicago

 

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Chicago and attend a "networking party" hosted by State Senator Dan Rutherford at Harry Caray's Restaurant in Chicago. Senator Rutherford was nice enough to introduce me and let me say a few words on behalf of my dad. There must have been over 300 of Senator Rutherford's closest friends there (they all said how much they admire him). It was a great chance to meet so many Republican activists in Chicago and get a chance to tell them about my dad's candidacy. On the way back to the hotel, I had a nice stroll down Michigan Avenue. Chicago is a beautiful city. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend it.

Here's a picture of me and Senator Rutherford next to Harry Caray's bust:

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Posted at 2007-07-30 10:10:05 by Matt Romney
 
Looks like fun! I could have gone, but I think it cost 50 or something...

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No Left Turns

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We can all agree that we need change in America.  America’s strength depends on change and innovation.

I’m convinced that America is going to change course.

The question is which way it is going to go?  Are we going to take the sharp left turn Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards represent, or are we going to move forward with the American values that have always made us the strongest nation on earth?

I believe we'll do the latter, but it’s going to take a fight.

The Democrats’ solutions for change are Big Brother, big taxes and big government.  That’s not the right answer, it’s frightening.

We need change, but not that kind of change.

Stand with me against big government, on the side of the American people.

Ask your friends to take a stand, too, by forwarding this message and ask them to join my team.  Just one click and we’ll be on our way to bringing real conservative change, not Clinton-style big government to Washington.


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