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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) In Pennsylvania, funding is an historical artifact of community-run public schools. The local community still matters - it forms the nucleus of social and cultural activity - but local districts and taxpayers can't shoulder the entire burden. We must develop a system of more uniform regional and state funding, and one way to do that is to re-model districts on a regional basis. A note to skeptics: We can do this without giving up our community schools. 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) In 75 words or less? Well . . . directives such as "No Child Left Behind" sharpen the need for greater uniformity in funding public education generally. More to the point, let's develop curriculum models that are targeted to demographic needs, and offer (e.g.) "Magnet" programs not just for advanced learning, but for basic skills as well. Existing Intermediate Unit programs may form a strong base in fulfilling these needs. 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) We can't ignore the reality that different geographic locations yield different social and economic populations. Consistent with my philosophy that we need greater regional and statewide funding uniformity, it is the first - not last - responsibility of the Commonwealth to provide the resources for basic achievement of every child. I don't know how we do it, but it's about time people start to associate American patriotism with having the best schools. Being tough starts between the ears. 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) This, simply put, is one essential component in developing a model for greater regional and state resource allocation to public education across the board. This isn't "code" for "throw more money at the problem." I want to discuss ideas for changing how we deliver education services and increase economies of scale by reducing (one example only) administration costs. Devote more of every existing dollar to programs like pre-K and full-day kindergarten. Don't spend more; spend different. 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 is primary . . . it is not the program of last resort. I've talked about changing the district model of public schools in Pennsylvania. This includes elevating the priority placed on technical and vocational education. My father was a plumber. In the traditional manner, he learned his trade by spending years working for others. But he was proud to be associated with people who worked and learned in the Bucks County Tech School. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) I spent eight (8) years as a member of a public school board - seven of those as President - and, as a parent of three children, have a wealth of experience with public schools, private and parochial schools, community college, and both private and state colleges. The only fair answer to this question is: I'll do as much as I possibly can.
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