Education & the 2016 White House Race
Education & the 2016 White House Race
Nov. 19, 9:00 a.m. to Noon • National Press Club
In the campaign for the White House, education has gained considerable attention, from proposals to make college debt-free to sharp criticism of the Common Core standards. The fault lines are not simply between Democrats and Republicans, but also among candidates in each of the two parties, and competing factions in their political ranks.
To help both education and political journalists better understand—and more effectively cover—how education issues are playing out in the campaign, the Education Writers Association is holding a morning-long forum in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 19. You’ll hear from a politically diverse mix of experts and advocates, as well as journalists who know the ins and outs of education policy and politics. Topics our speakers will tackle include:
- How are the candidates talking about education and what are their concrete plans? What are they downplaying or ignoring?
- How substantive—or not—are their agendas?
- With the primaries on the horizon, how significant are the distinctions on education policy within each party’s set of candidates?
- What’s the backstory and political context for how the issue is being framed by both Republican and Democratic candidates?
- What should reporters know about the track records of candidates, especially current and former governors, given their key role in education policy and funding?
- What impact will the early endorsement of Hillary Clinton by the teachers’ unions have on the race, and how candidates treat education issues?
- What realistically can a president accomplish when it comes to education, anyway?
The event will feature a pair of panel discussions—one taking a deep dive into pre-K-12 issues, the other higher education. In addition, a roundtable of experienced journalists will offer their analysis of what’s happening and what’s ahead, with tips for effective and enterprising coverage.
When: 9:00 a.m. to noon, Nov. 19, 2015
Where: National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
What College Affordability Means for the Election
Education & the 2016 White House Race
College affordability has become a key topic in the 2016 presidential campaign, whether through Democratic candidates’ outlining varying approaches to a debt-free education at public universities or Republican contenders’ suggesting income-sharing arrangements and accreditation reform. A discussion of the nuances and potential of these ideas.
Journalist Roundtable
Education & the 2016 White House Race
Journalists share their insights about covering education in the White House race, and offer practical tips and strategies for penetrating coverage.
Pre-K-12 Education in the 2016 Race
Education & the 2016 White House Race
Experts and advocates take stock of how early childhood and K-12 education issues are factoring into the presidential campaign. They offer analysis of the candidates’ track records, campaign rhetoric, and specific plans (or lack thereof), and explore the complex politics of education policy.
Welcome & Event Introduction
Education & the 2016 White House Race
Caroline Hendrie, executive director of Education Writers Association, introduces the state of education topics in the 2016 election.
#EWAElection Tweets: What College Affordability Means for the Election
#EWAElection Tweets: Journalist Roundtable
#EWAElection Tweets: Pre-K-12 Education in the 2016 Race
Agenda: Education & the 2016 White House Race
Nov. 19, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
National Press Club
Welcome
8:45 a.m.
Pre-K-12 Education in the 2016 Race
9:00–10:00 a.m.