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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) The current funding formula needs to be looked at for reform. These is obviously a problem with equity and there needs to be a growth supplement for those schools experiencing rapid development. For one we should pass impact fee legislation to help growing school districts. Secondly we should pass an equity bill. 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 (75 words or less) No Child Left Behind should be repealed. In the meantime the state should pressure the federal government for adequate funding. Also the state should provide the resources the schools need to meet the requirements. However, I continue to believe the law while well intended is a joke. 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) While the state can help with resources this remains primarily a local decision. The state cannot legislate the school districts hire excellent teachers and administrators. Pre-school and daycare education would also help. 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) Basically fund more programs of this nature. 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) Every child in Pennsylvania should have equal access and equal opportunity to achieve and excel in education. As in question #1 we need to revisit and revise the funding formula and provide local districts with the tools to make this a reality.
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