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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 of Pennsylvania's system of funding public education is that funds come to districts when the state says they will. Weaknesses include unfunded and under funded regular education and special education mandates. Public schools are mandated to meet the educational needs of all students which is costly and very prescriptive. The Pennsylvania Legislature must commit to change the current formula for determining funding so districts receive more adequate financial support. 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) HB 1729 is a step towards keeping students in school and discouraging dropping out thus increasing the graduation rate. PA Legislature must encourage courses that are interesting and applicable to the real world of the student. Students need to see the importance of what they are doing. The PA Legislature must put pressure on the federal government to completely fund NCLB and revamp the requirements of the law. 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) Research shows that students involved in quality pre-K programs and full day kindergarten programs achieve at a higher level of proficiency. Pennsylvania Legislature must fund such programs in order to support those critical years of development. A rigorous curriculum that focuses on high quality teaching and learning, instructional leadership which is also high quality, and the use of data to drive instruction are three strategies that the PA Legislature should encourage. 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) The Pennsylvania Legislature must continue and commit to fund the Accountability Block Program which gives school districts the ability to provide high quality early childhood support and programs deemed necessary. Not all districts need the same program to meet individual concerns. High quality pre-K programs and all day kindergarten programs are a good start to closing the academic achievement gap among 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) The public education opportunity should provide students with skills that are marketable. Not all students are college bound, but they still need to be productive members of the workforce. Vocational education needs to be increased and encouraged. The arts need to remain strong and part of the curriculum. We need to educate the whole child. There is more to education than reading and math (although extremely important). There is a sense of belonging and success that comes with the arts and sports. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) I would encourage that the state provide the Healthcare for all school employees - a statewide system CHIPS is excellent in theory however children in our are must travel 50+ miles to receive care from a provider who honors CHIPS. All healthcare providers must honor the system (If they go, they miss an entire day of school). These are the students who need to be in school). State mandates must be reviewed.
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