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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) Equitable funding of education is what the Legislature should strive to accomplish. We rely too heavily on local property taxes for this purpose currently. We began this process with property tax reform and gaming legislation. We must finish the process by developing formulae to assure equitable distribution of funds derived from gaming revenue. In addition, continuous oversight of the property tax reform initiative is critical to determine if additional revenue from local sources is necessary. 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) As I stated at the beginning of the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act, uniformity of testing, administering tests in compliance with federal statutes and regulations for special education students, and data collection to appropriately measure outcomes are critical. I support increased funding for tutoring and Governor Rendell's proposed $250 million line item appropriation for accountability grants. 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) Strive for equity of funding, oppose the use of un-certified educators, provide alternative education programs and program funding for disruptive students within the public schools, and reinstate 30 and out retirement provisions for teachers. Implementing an economically sound educational system staffed by qualified individuals committed to the teaching profession would close the educational gap over time. 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 support pre-K and full-day kindergarten for families that seek those educational benefits for their children. A coalition among private educational foundations, Parent/Teacher Organizations, and public funds dedicated to kindergarten programs could fund this system. I base my support of these initiatives upon studies demonstrating the positive impact of pre-K and full-day kindergarten on the educational success and social development of students. 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) My vision of the public education opportunity that should be available to every child is the chance to go on to postsecondary training upon graduation. Every child must graduate high school literate. Educational success depends upon a qualified and dedicated staff and access to resources. I would accomplish that through policies explained throughout this survey. In addition, I am very concerned about the cost of higher education and the ability of future high school graduates to pursue an education of their choice. I support initiatives that would keep the increase in higher education to a minimum, tax incentives for parents providing financial assistance to their children, and loan forgiveness programs. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) I would work to ensure adequate funding for public education exists in the state budget. In addition, I would be happy to meet with members of your organization if you have specific concerns requiring a legislative remedy.
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