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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 system doesn't work. It needs to be replaced. We can use gaming profits for our childrens' education. We can consolidate buying of basic necessities including insurance, etc. the government needs to listen to the teachers & parents for the childrens' needs. 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) Reading, math & science must be taught in the lower grades so the children have a good base knowledge by jr. high. It's too late by then if they don't have a good background. There is too much emphasis placed on mandated testing. It is also ridiculous to mandate "No Child Left Behind" & not fund it. 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 more high school graduates to become teachers - offer financial assistance. Limit the number of students in classes. 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 don't know. I thought head start was the answer but it failed. 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 Commonwealth of PA guarantees every child a good education. We need to change funding procedures so the schools can maintain books, computers & outstanding teachers & administrators. We should be setting standards for the rest of the world. 6. Is there anything else that you will do to strengthen Pennsylvania's public education system? (75 words or less) I am reading & listening to everything I can so I will be ready to handle this question when I get elected. I make no claim to know all the answers.
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