Among Democrats, Gore scored 13 of a possible 15 points in the ranking that stacked the candidates' educational positions against those of the national civil rights organization, such as opposition to school vouchers and raising teacher quality.

Gore's rival, former Sen. Bill Bradley, scored 5 points.

Among Republican candidates, Bush bested his competitors, scoring 7 points. He was followed by Sen. John McCain of Arizona with 6 points and Steve Forbes with 2 points. Both Alan Keyes and Gary Bauer received zeros. The report did not include Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and Reform Party candidate Pat Buchanan.

Candidates were judged on five principles: commitment to quality early education, opposition to vouchers, providing quality teachers, access to telecommunications technology and continuing social promotion until higher quality schools are achieved.

In each category, scores ranged from zero, for opposition or no position on an issue, to three points, indicating strong support for an issue.

While saying the ratings should not be viewed as an endorsement of any specific candidate, Urban League President Hugh B. Price said he hoped the study would help guide voters who support the league.

"Any presidential candidate who aspires to lead this country should commit to eradicate achievement disparities, eliminate discriminatory educational practices and ensure that all children have a genuine opportunity to learn and achieve," Price said.

The report said Gore's commitment to improving schools was "palpable and impressive."

Gore spokesman Chris Lehane said the vice president has made education the top priority of his presidential campaign and relished the high marks.

The report said Bradley's vision for education was promising, but expressed concern about his "inconsistent" stance on school vouchers. As a senator, Bradley voted for experimental voucher programs, but on the campaign trail has said he doesn't believe vouchers are the answer to the problems with public education.

Bradley spokeswoman Kristen Ludecke dismissed the criticism, noting that Education Secretary Richard Riley recently said "there is no real difference between Bill Bradley and Al Gore in terms of their commitment to education."

Of Bush, the report praised the Texas governor's record of increasing education funding and improved standardized test scores among minority school children in his state. But it chided Bush for trying fund an experimental voucher program.

"Appraising Mr. Bush's track record as governor is complicated," the report said.

Bush campaign spokesman Scott McClellan defended Bush.

"Every child should receive a first rate education and if a disadvantaged student continues to be trapped in a failing school, Governor Bush thinks parents should have the option to send their child to a different school," McClellan said.