John Edwards released an aggressive education plan in Iowa on Sunday. It focuses on three themes- creating universal preschool, building teacher quality, and reforming No Child Left Behind. He adds this to a series of comprehensive plans for upgrading the social safety net.

Though Edwards' plan hit familiar themes, it is unique in it the way it acknowledges the particular challenges facing struggling schools and it is unashamed in diverting resources in that direction. In his introduction to the plan, Edward frames his vision of the current problems.


"...more than 50 years after Brown v. Board of Education, we still have two school systems that are separate and unequal. No longer legally separated by race, our children are sorted by economics, often with a racial or ethnic dimension."

His plan focuses on addressing the disparity. The needs of the poorest communities are addressed first. Among other things, Edwards suggest piloting his preschool proposal in impoverished communities and providing incentives for teachers to work in struggling schools. Edwards plan, though likely not politically popular, reflects a real desire to improve the educaton system. On a side note, it is refreshing to see a candidate commit a comprehensive promise to overhaul No Child Left Behind to paper.