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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) Article III, Section 14 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states: "The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth." Past legislation called for 50% funding. We are lucky if our school districts are receiving 30%! We need a more equitable system where the state funds education, not through the current regressive property tax system or questionable gambling proposals. 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) Given the varied backgrounds, aptitudes and individual challenges of each student, it is impossible for all children to meet PA standards by 2004. The legislature needs to question the wisdom of NCLB. While the intent is honorable, it is also implausible. It would be much fairer to measure the progress each student made each year than to evaluate entire districts on individual's performances. 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) The legislature needs to recognize that each district is unique and has different growth rates and social and economic needs. We need to pass legislation for equitable funding, realistic standards and multiple types of assessments. 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) Although some studies show pre-K programs can jumpstart a child's education, I believe it is better for the child to remain home with parents and transition to school through a half-day kindergarten program. Birth through five years old are very impressionable years where a child needs parental involvement and nurturing. Siblings, cousins and extended family help to instill the core support group prior to the child progressing to social skills in the educational environment. 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) Public education should be available to all residents from K-12. Students should be given the choice of pursuing an academic or vocational course of studies. Secondary education should be subsidized by the state. I would like to encourage more participation from private sector businesses in both supporting educational expenses and providing co-op opportunities to students. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) Districts should be given the flexibility to hire the best candidate for teaching positions. The current and future teacher shortage could be addressed by allowing professionals in the workplace to more easily become teachers and instruct in their area of expertise (accountants, lawyers, architects, etc.) As a former substitute teacher and Pleasant Valley School Board Director, I'd like to bring my educational experience to the state house.
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