 |
|
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 strengths of Pennsylvania's system of public education include local input via the local School Boards (within certain parameters) as to what the educational program of any school district will look like. The main weakness relative to funding is the lack of adequate state resources to properly fund public education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the preponderance of unfunded state mandates. 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) The legislature deserves and needs full Federal funding to fully comply with 'No Child Left Behind' legislation. Without such funding, NCLB is an unfunded mandate. 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) Identify which school districts in the Commonwealth are struggling on a regular basis to properly prepare students. Make certain of the availability of resources needed to put forth an effective and successful educational program, and ensure accountability. 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) A more equitable and revised basic subsidy funding formula is needed. In addition, more state resources are needed each budget year to increase access for young children in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to high-quality pre-K programs and full-day kindergarten programs. 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) As an experienced and certified teacher, and as a former School Director, I will serve as a strong advocate for education and educators in Pennsylvania. Only through our legislators, parents, and teachers working together, can we truly put forth an educational system that will be able to adequately prepare our children for the challenges they will face in the workplace, in higher education, and at home. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) My vision for public education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a system that is adequately funded and has the resources to prepare our children for their futures. I envision a system where our dedicated educators are respected and do not have to fight for the resources they need to teach our children. As a State Representative, I will fight for adequate funding for education and I will work with educators on all levels of education for a stronger educational system in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
|