Education was central to this year's presidential campaign, even though the president plays little role in what happens in the classroom.

        During the campaign, George W. Bush repeatedly called for reversing the “education recession.”

        Mr. Bush advocates private-school vouchers for students who attend failing public schools, the creation of more charter schools, changes aimed at improving early childhood education and redesigns of low-performing schools.

        Tom Mooney, president of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, said he expects a big push to expand vouchers from a Bush White House.

        “Our greatest worry is that a Bush White House would give free rein to the hard right leadership of Congress,” Mr. Mooney said, noting Republican resistance to federal education funding.

        Here's what Mr. Bush proposes:

        • Establish a $5 million Reading First initiative aimed at ensuring students can read by the third grade.

        • Reform the Head Start program by moving it to the Department of Education and refocusing the program on its original purpose: early learning and pre-reading skills.

        • Require state tests every year for public school students in grades 3-8 in reading and math.

        • Report state and national test data every year, including data on race and income. Create a $500 million reward fund for states that excel and close the achievement gap.

        • Require school-by-school report cards and give parents real options - like tutoring or the ability to transfer to another school - when their children are trapped in failing schools.

        • Hold back federal education funds for states with declining achievement.

        • Help states establish college merit scholarships for students who take challenging courses in high school.

        • Increase the amount of Pell Grants from $3,300 to $5,100 for first-year college students.

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Local voters just glad it's over
Lawmakers talk conciliation
Ohio could reap the spoils
Tristate Republicans could win appointments
Kentuckians see friend in Bush
Tristate scholars consider lessons, impact of election
Impact on Abortion
Impact on Education
Impact on Environment/energy
Impact on Health Care
Impact on Social Security
Bush electors in the Tristate