School issues haven’t drawn as much attention in the presidential race as many educators would like. But there are differences between John McCain and Barack Obama on education. And such issues figure in state and congressional races, as well as in state ballot proposals.

Education will be on the ballot Nov. 4, even if the subject hasn’t been on voters’ minds much during the 2008 campaign season.

The results of the elections are likely to have a significant impact on the way schools are financed, governed, and held accountable for the academic performance of their students.

At the polls, voters will be choosing the next president and members of Congress, who will decide the future of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. They’ll elect governors in 11 states, state legislators in 44 states, and local officials in hundreds of cities, towns, counties, and school districts across the country. They’ll also weigh a host of education policy issues, including school financing and charter schools, through dozens of state.