If there’s one good thing President Bush has done, it’s been to turn education into one of the most hotly debated topics of national discourse. Whether you love it or hate it, everyone has an opinion on public schools and how they can be improved, including the candidates vying to be the next president.

Most recently, several have come forward with detailed solutions of their own on how to fix the system. Late last month, Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards rolled out an education plan that called for everything from universal preschool to an elite teacher’s college. Edwards stressed improving teacher conditions by providing incentives to those who work in poor areas and focusing federal attention on retaining good teachers.

About a week later, fellow Democratic foe and would-be “education president” Joe Biden unveiled a $30 billion education strategy that would support two years of preschool, two years of college, and a hike in teacher pay. Biden’s plan also provided incentives for teachers working in Title I schools and he supports extending the school day.

Finally, Democrats Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton focused their proposals on higher education late last week. But while Richardson’s plan was to trade a year of public service for every two years of college for a maximum of $24,000, Clinton offered financial relief by increasing grants and tax credits and making the college financial aid process easier.

Naomi Dillon, Senior Editor