Congresswoman Hirono stands behind her ideas when it comes time to vote. She was notably opposed to the No Child Left Behind policies proposed under the Bush administration (Mazie Hirono on the Issues). The principals of NCLB were an increased focus on the standardization of testing of students across America (Rotherham). Hirono felt these measures undermined the purpose of teaching and warped notions of education by enforcing stricter guidelines. She would instead have funds relocated to teacher development programs, ensuring teachers can reach their maximum potential in terms of quality so that they might better instruct and nurture their students. (Mazie Hirono on the Issues).
In order for a proper and efficient education system to be maintained, more funds are needed from the federal government. Hirono voted in favor of an omnibus bill, the HSS Labor Education appropriations bill, which would have given 10.2 billion dollars of federal support to schools (H.R. 3043 (110th)). Though the bill had a majority of the support and passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it was vetoed by president Bush because of its extensive costs (H.R. 3043 (110th)).
In contrast, both Mazie Hirono and challenger Linda Lingles are in favor of increased federal expenditures on education, though their views on the implementation of these funds differ. Former governor Lingles believes that higher pay should be available to teachers, and should be awarded depending on personal performance and merit, which would be determined by the state (Linda Lingle on the Issues). This more regimented approach of Lingle's is counterintuitive to the style espoused by Hirono, as it encourages professors to focus on academic results and ignore individual student needs.
Hirono's strong commitment to improve education is unorthodox from a state such as Hawaii, as it boasts excellent standards of education (Enloe and Seager 108). Hawaii is already leading the nation in regards to students completing high school, with over 90% successfully graduating (Enloe and Seager 108). In addition, Hawaii also spends in excess of 10 thousand dolars per pupil every year; again setting an example for the rest of the country (Enloe and Seager 76). With such a high standard of education, perhaps making education related legislation a priority is over zealous. On the other hand, perhaps she policies and experience from her home state as an example with which to improve other states lacking in educational expertise.
It is no secret that Congresswoman Hirono is a powerful supporter of education, with an emphasis on the necessity of early childhood education (Mazie Hirono on the Issues). She believes that by beginning learning at a young age, and being taught by capable and well-developed instructors, that the youth will develop into a strong generation capable of steering America in the right direction.
Hirono will likely continue to her fervent support of education policy as a member of Senate if re-elected.
Enloe, Cynthia H., and Joni Seager. The Real State of America Atlas: Mapping the Myths and Truths
of the United States. New York, NY: Penguin, 2011. Print.
"H.R. 3043 (110th):" Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 (2007; 110th Congress H.R. 3043). N.p., n.d. Web.
15 Oct. 2012. <http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/hr3043>.
"Linda Lingle on the Issues." Linda Lingle on the Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. \
<http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Linda_Lingle.htm>.
"Mazie Hirono on the Issues." Mazie Hirono on the Issues. On the Issues, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. \
<http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Mazie_Hirono.htm>.
Rotherham, Andrew J. 'Lets Not Weaken It' An Exclusive Interview with George W Bush on NCLB.
Times, 12 Jan. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://ideas.time.com/2012/01/12/lets-not-
weaken-it-an-exclusive-interview-with-george-w-bush-on-nclb/>.
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