In address to NAACP, McCain keys on public education reform

CINCINNATI - Republican John McCain yesterday called for more education opportunities for children in poor schools as he brought his presidential campaign to the annual convention of the nation's oldest civil-rights organization.

McCain spoke to the NAACP two days after Democrat Barack Obama, who is seeking to become the first black president, addressed the group.

In the mostly full convention hall, the scene was more muted than the overflow crowd that Obama attracted. In recognition of Obama's special standing, McCain began his remarks by praising the Illinois senator.

"Don't tell him I said this, but he is an impressive fellow in many ways," McCain said. "He has inspired a great many Americans. . . .

"Whatever the outcome in November, Sen. Obama has achieved a great thing - for himself and for his country - and I thank him for it."

McCain also asked the NAACP to excuse his absence from their convention last year, saying his presidential campaign was going through a rough patch at the time.

The Arizona senator then outlined his education proposals designed to aid minority schools where dropout rates are high. He called for more aid and choice.

"If I am elected president, school choice for all who want it, an expansion of opportunity scholarships and alternative certification for teachers will all be part of a serious agenda of education reform," McCain said.

"After decades of hearing the same big promises from the public-education establishment, and seeing the same poor results, it is surely time to shake off old ways and to demand new reforms," he said. "That isn't just my opinion. It is the conviction of parents in poor neighborhoods across this nation who want better lives for their children."

McCain backs expanded merit pay for teachers who improve students' performance and more money for tutoring poor students. Obama supports the idea of linkage when teachers help negotiate and craft the merit-pay plans, a nod to the national teachers union, which dislikes the linkage. McCain also supports school vouchers, a position generally favored by conservatives and opposed by many Democrats.

McCain's speech got positive reviews from some in the overwhelmingly Democratic crowd. Katherine Porter, a former high school administrator who works for the American Federation of Teachers, said she appreciated McCain's focus on education. "He was forthcoming, and I thought he didn't shy away from anything," she said.

As for the reception accorded Obama, who spoke here Monday, she smiled. "Let's face it," she said. "You can't compare them."

The Obama campaign, responding to McCain's speech, said: "Obama believes that the single most important factor in our children's education is having an excellent teacher. That's why he's introduced a comprehensive plan to recruit and prepare a new generation of high-quality teachers - and implement new methods for rewarding their success in the classroom."

Spokesman Bill Burton also said Obama would reform and fund No Child Left Behind, expand access to early childhood education, and make an affordable college education a reality for each student.