CEDAR FALLS -- Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden said he will make college affordability, teacher pay and early education among his top educational priorities.

At the University of Northern Iowa on Tuesday, the Delaware senator warned of dire consequences if the U.S. does not take actions to improve its education system.

"I am convinced the future of America in the 21st century depends on how we deal with education in the 21st century," he said. "This is far beyond the issue of education, in terms of giving people opportunities. This is a national security issue; this is about the economic future of the United States of America."

Biden started the education forum, sponsored by Lee Enterprises, with lighthearted banter. Biden's alma mater, the University of Delaware, will play UNI in a Saturday playoff game. Biden noted that his entire family -- including those on his wife's side -- have graduated from Delaware, so his allegiances run deep.

"Unlike other presidential candidates, I have no trouble knowing who I'm for," he joked. "Some things are worth losing elections over."

To make college more affordable, Biden said he would provide a $3,000 refundable tax credit to families, and expand the maximum Pell Grant by nearly $2,000.

He said he would recruit people to the teaching profession and keep them teaching by providing bonuses to teachers working in at-risk schools, and for staying at a single school for at least five years.

On the much-maligned No Child Left Behind, Biden said the education policy needs serious overhaul. While high standards are important, he said the current tests, which can require rote memorization, don't accurately measure a child's abilities.

In addition to changing the tests, Biden said he would measure performance to include a school's starting performance level, and take into account things like class size and how many students participated in early childhood education.

Chris Anderson, a UNI math education major, told the senator he liked his ideas, but wondered how he would pay for all his plans and still balance the budget.

Biden said allowing tax cuts for high-income Americans to expire would pay for much of his education plan, which he estimated would cost about $30 billion per year.

"We are hemorrhaging tax expenditures for people who are good, loyal, patriotic Americans who never asked for a tax cut and don't need it," he said.

Adam Bentley, a UNI political science senior, said he appreciated Biden's straight-forwardness and his willingness to spend money on education.

"I like his thoughts on the budget: 'Don't tell me what you value, show me what you value. Show me your budget,'" he said, paraphrasing one of Biden's sayings.

Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.