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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 strength is local control and the ability of the School Boards to raise money to support their education priorities. The weakness is the state's relatively small contribution to local districts and the excessive reliance on property taxes. This is especially true for districts with low property values and an inadequate commercial tax base. They are forced to have high tax rates that are an unfair burden on property owners, especially those on fixed incomes. 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 mission of educating well-rounded, flexible, creative thinkers has changed to one of producing 100% perfect test takers. This brings unacceptable levels of anxiety for all involved. Special needs and non-native speakers need more latitude on AYP growth. NCLB retooled so that PA test and professional standards, which in some cases are more stringent than the national, do not end up limiting our federal funding, because of difficulty in demonstrating AYP. High performing districts, already producing well educated children, should not have the same measures of AYP as poor performing ones. 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 need to increase the state's funding share and to overhaul funding formulas to bring them into alignment with ALL our children's real educational needs. The department of education needs to develop clearer guidance to local districts on performance expectations and the measurement of performance. The legislature needs to insist on the same level of clarity from the federal government. Any state or federal mandates to LEAs need to be matched with adequate funding. 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) Investment in early childhood education makes sense economically and educationally. This investment gives students a solid foundation for success and reduces the need for remedial, alternative and even correctional programs later. As a legislative leader I will work for laws to facilitate communication and accountability across all cabinet departments. We must recognize that learning takes place in the context of the child's whole life - family, community and school. 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 a former public school social studies teacher, school psychologist and sales representative for education software, quality public education for all PA children is my top priority. I believe a well educated citizenry is the foundation of our democracy and is necessary to enhance Pennsylvania's place in the world economy. I will advocate for the formation of a commission at the state level to bring stakeholders together to work on long range planning and reform. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) I would support more state funding for alternative classrooms that educate behaviorally troubled students. I would support legislation that allows for the permanent removal of any students who engage in serious and persistent disruptive behavior. Our schools must be safe places where learning can take place. I will work to reestablish belief in our public schools, support for our education professionals and broad citizen engagement in education issues.
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