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for 2006 Pennsylvania Primary Election Legislative Candidates
1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Pennsylvania's system of funding public education? What should the Pennsylvania Legislature do, if anything, to improve the system of funding public education? (75 words or less) The problem with education funding in Pennsylvania is its heavy reliance on property taxes, which puts an unfair burden on retirees and those living on a fixed income. Sometime arbitrary property valuations are also a problem with the current system. I believe that we must reduce unfunded state mandates and promote cooperation and efficiency to control costs, while still providing a quality education for our children. 2. How should the Pennsylvania Legislature assist school districts to meet the requirements of Pennsylvania's regulations for academic standards and graduation requirements as well as the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) that expects every student to demonstrate proficiencies on state assessments in reading, math and science by 2014, and for all schools to demonstrate "adequate yearly progress" (required by NCLB) toward that goal? (75 words or less) I believe that decisions on how to achieve the standards of the No Child Left Behind Act should be left to the individual schools. It is best for our local schools to determine what curriculum works best for its children. 3. How should the Pennsylvania Legislature assist school districts to close the academic achievement gaps that exist among groups of students in schools and school districts across the Commonwealth? (75 words or less) Again, I believe in reducing mandates and other state-imposed expenses and allowing flexibility in our schools. I would like to see the bureaucracy in the Department of Education work in a cooperative and advisory fashion to help underachieving schools, not act as an enforcement arm of the Governor and legislature. 4. What, if anything, should the Pennsylvania Legislature do to increase access for young children in Pennsylvania to high-quality pre-K programs and full-day kindergarten programs? (75 words or less) My concern is to work to improve the educational opportunities for all children, including kindergarteners. I am open to the input and suggestions of our public schools as to the assistance they need, rather than imposing a system without their input. 5. What is your vision of the public education opportunity that should be available to every child in Pennsylvania and what will you do to accomplish that goal? (75 words or less) All children in Pennsylvania should have access to a quality education that allows them to achieve their full potential. I believe that reaching this goal starts at the local level with each school and school district experimenting and working to develop a curriculum that firs their children's needs. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) I support giving our local schools the freedom to experiment and develop an education plan that fits their students. The state should be a cooperative partner, not force changes from above.
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