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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 formula for education funding in Pennsylvania takes into consideration many vital components. District size, population growth, strength of the local economy is all factored in when determining local appropriations. In recent years, the largest amounts of new money have been directed to Pennsylvania's poorer school districts. Over time, it will be important for the Legislature to identify what constitutes an "adequate education" and to appropriate money to districts accordingly. 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) The Pennsylvania Accountability Block Grant program, which was signed into law this year, will help school districts target their funds toward programs of their choice that meet district and student needs. Through expanding flexibility, school districts will be able to make more informed decisions on how to spend allocated funds. By granting local school districts more authority and freedom, and holding them accountable for results, every child can flourish and receive the best education possible. 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) A majority of the Block Grant program funds will go to school districts that need it most. I support increasing tutoring grants (Educational Assistance Program and Classroom Plus) because we've seen firsthand how much they help students across Pennsylvania overcome the achievement gap with their peers. Finally, guaranteeing that the PA System of State Assessment (PSSA) test is a reliable and valid measurement of identifying student achievement will ensure that no child is left behind. 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) Local school districts have the option under the Accountability Grant program to use funds to implement or expand pre-kindergarten programs and full-day kindergarten. We also need to ensure that there is state funding available to supplement the federal Head Start program, which is considered one of the most significant early childhood development programs in Pennsylvania. State funding with local flexibility and control should provide the increased access to such programs for Pennsylvania's youth. 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) Coming from a family of public educators, I know that every student deserves access to the best public education system that will ensure them a bright future and a lifetime of success. While it is important for our state government to step up to the plate and increase funding for our schools, the decisions on how to teach our children should be left to the professionals: teachers, parents, and local school officials.
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