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for 2004 Pennsylvania General 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) I believe that under the Rendell Administration funding and attention to education has significantly increased from past years. There has been more targeting of meaningful programs such as the Accountability Grant Program. The prime weakness in our education is the continuing inequity in funding between school districts due to location and tax base. 2. How should the Pennsylvania Legislature assist school districts to meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act 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" toward that goal? (75 words or less) Unfortunately, the federal government has not fully funded NCLB. Due to the importance of science, math and reading to our students, the Commonwealth will need to devote additional resources to make up the difference. In the meantime, pressure should be put on the federal government to fulfill it is promise of NCLB funding. 3. How should the Pennsylvania Legislature assist school districts to close the academic achievement gap that exists among groups of students in schools and school districts across the Commonwealth? (75 words or less) Again, the disparities between school districts are a result of an inequitable system of funding poor and wealthy school districts. However, there has been an unwillingness among some members and regions to rectify the issue. 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) Studies have continually shown the benefit of such programs to young children. School districts, as well as legislators and parents, must be shown the value of these programs. Financial assistance should be available to school districts that undertake the programs. 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) As we continue in an ever-increasing global economy, we must ensure that our children have the appropriate education to allow them to compete in the world. A foundation of basic and advance skills will not only benefit children but will strengthen our society.
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