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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) Strength - PA has system in place to account for poorer districts to get additional funding. Weakness - Limited to no factor for new students, growth. Improve via restoring formula for growth. 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) Offer any indicated development for teachers. 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) Encourage parental involvement. Look at possibility of a mentoring program. Those who are achieving to aid those are who are having difficutly. 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) Not sure if we can afford what could possibly be multi-million dollar project - additional classrooms, teachers, other related costs - at this time but would be open to getting idea of costs and review options for obtaining it. 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) Parental involvement Safe, secure environment Promote parents to be involved in their childrens education Explore homeland security funding for safe, secure facilities. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) Attend House Education Committee hearings as available. Review co-sponsor memos from fellow representatives augmenting legislation to improve the educational system and co-sponsor as indicated.
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