Finally, Bush is right to stress that performance counts. But there is a danger in reducing the complexity of the educational challenge to the simplicity of test results. Bush called for refocusing the Head Start preschool program on academics. Head Start, which was conceived as kindergarten prep for disadvantaged children, now seeks to address their social needs, too. As governor of Texas, Bush has done much to make schools better.
Presidential polls say schools are a big concern for moderate voters.
And New Hampshire is one of many states rethinking its educational system.