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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 PA Legislature should look at ways to offset money sent to local school districts with the programs that it mandates those districts to implement. In other words, if the state believes a district should teach or place into effect a certain program, the money to do so should also come with the order or mandate. 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 should assist in any way possible to ensure that programs such as NCLB and others can be effectively implemented & funded. I also believe the federal government should give more towards these programs that they hand down. 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 should strive to give every student a quality education in a way that is affordable to the taxpayer. 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 would be in favor of pre-K and kindergarten enhancements to be sure that every child begins their educational experience well-prepared. 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) I would work diligently to be sure that every child in a PA school is afforded a quality & rewarding educational experience. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) Enhance or attempt to improve technical training, arts, gifted programs, special education, etc. to help all aspects of education in Pennsylvania.
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