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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) We must eliminate our dependence of school funding on our property tax system. This dependence is not only a weakness but also is leading to the displacement of many people and businesses. 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) (1) Compile our school districts' responses to this question. (2) Establish dialogue with districts and the legislature. (3) Develop recommendations. (4) Legislature acts on the recommendations. 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) I want the school districts to answer this question. Then, summarize the responses for the legislature, develop action items, prioritize, then act. 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) I want to hear from our educators and my constituents. How far are our constituents willing to go to support such access. What are some "high quality" pre-K programs? I do not believe the legislature has the answers. The legislature should be a conduit through which models are developed then implemented with the districts whose constituents will support the plan. 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) The family and school districts are 50-50 partners in the implementation of the educational community's model for educational excellence. Reinforce (financially and through formal recognition) those districts that demonstrate commitment to this vision. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) I want to better understand educational and financial accountability. I believe we can strengthen our school districts' accountability to their respective constituents.
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