Fox News 2015 GOP primary debate: on Education

Jeb Bush: Feds should not be involved with creation of content

BUSH: No, I don't. And I don't believe the federal government should be involved in the creation of standards directly or indirectly, the creation of curriculum or content. It is clearly a state responsibility. I'm for higher standards measured in an intellectually honest way, with abundant school choice, ending social promotion. As governor of Florida, we had rising student achievement across the board, because high standards, robust accountability, ending social promotion in 3rd grade, real school choice across the board, challenging the teachers union and beating them is the way to go. And Florida's low income kids had the greatest gains inside the country. Our graduation rate improved by 50%. That's what I'm for.

Jeb Bush: Allow opt-out of Common Core if states define standards

RUBIO: The Department of Education, like every federal agency, will never be satisfied. They will not stop with it being a suggestion. They will turn it into a mandate. They will use Common Core or any other requirements that exists nationally to force it down the throats of our people in our states.

BUSH: I think the states ought to create these standards. And if states want to opt out of Common Core, fine. Just make sure your standards are high Because today in America, a third of our kids, after we spend more per student than any country in the world other than a couple rounding errors, to be honest with you, 30% are college- and/or career-ready. If we are going to compete in this world we're in today, there is no possible way we can do it with lowering expectations and dumbing down everything. Children are going to suffer and families' hearts are going to be broken that their kids won't be able to get a job in the 21st Century.

Jeb Bush: I created the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd voucher program in America

Marco Rubio: Common Core will convert from suggestions to mandate

BUSH: [Yes, but] I don't believe the federal government should be involved in the creation of standards directly or indirectly, the creation of curriculum or content.

Q: Sen. Rubio, why is Gov. Bush wrong on Common Core?

RUBIO: I too believe in curriculum reform. It is critically important in the 21st Century. And it should happen at the state and local level. That is where educational policy belongs, because if a parent is unhappy with what their child is being taught in school, they can go to that local school board or their state legislature, or their governor and get it changed. Here's the problem with Common Core. The Department of Education, like every federal agency, will never be satisfied. They will not stop with it being a suggestion. They will turn it into a mandate. They will use Common Core or any other requirements that exists nationally to force it down the throats of our people in our states.