 |
|
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) Strength is that funding, while not perfect, is provided. Weakness is that costs are increasing to much and incurring tremendous burden on property owners many of whom are seniors. Property tax shift is inevitable and must occur soon. Consolidation is inevitble and in addition all costs must be looked at in depth. Legislature job: Shift property tax relief. Stop unfunded mandates. Insist on right sizing of districts. Eliminate prevailing wage on structures to save 10-15%. Evaluate all costs of Education to see best course of action. 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) Provide Administrative structure and funds necessary to assure quality education for our children. Provide teacher bonus system that will give incentive for teachers to stretch the envelope. This is working in New Hampshire and New York. Look at other states that are doing well and find out their keys to this success; then incorporate some new strategy. 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) Insist on High Standards across all schools Districts. Review data for positive and negative trends and demand answers as to why for each scenario. Insist on summer school for students that are lacking; If they refuse to participate do not pass on these underachievers. Provide additional funds for tutoring. 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) All children should have access to kindergarten. This should absolutely be funded. There can never be a good reason not to do this. 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) Provide a quality education in a safe and positive atmosphere where our children can grow and expand their knowledge base. They only grow up once and we must provide the best education that will serve them well for a lifetime. I also see a need to visit other states to see what is working well and emulate this success. I will provide funding and pursue best practice idea. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) Yes, I see a real need to expand curriculum to make drivers education mandatory for graduation. I would fund this through a partnering arrangement with insurance companies and auto manufacturers. I see an increase in violence in our society. I would like to see a "REAL LIFE" class to address drug abuse, family matters, basic communication skills, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills etc to prepare children for these real life situations. The conflict resolution and interpersonal skills sections will focus specifically on positive interaction in group settings and one on one situations. A win-win outcome will always be the goal.
|