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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 strength of our current financing system is the commitment of local school boards, parents, teachers and communities in finding ways to provide the services. The weakness is the reliance on the antiquated property tax system and the low funding from the Commonwealth. In 1974 and 1976 I ran for the State House on the issue of property tax reform and the need to use income based funding. The ability to pay using this system is the fairest and most effective. 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) I would introduce a resolution encouraging Congress to make NCLB more flexible so that districts can better comply as well as funding some of the initiatives. I am concerned about the results of "teaching to the test" built into the law instead of the need to inspire students to learn. 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) I would create a Task Force to look at innovative approaches that are working out in the Districts. This information can then be shared throughout the system. I would include an interview program of students about what they like and dislike about their educational experience. 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) Early childhood education should be a priority with higher state funding. Full-day kindergarten should be an option as many parents desire to spend time with their young children as they learn about the world. Parents need to be a major part of the learning process. 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 goal should be to help develop generations of caring, involved, well-informed citizens. We also need a focus on improving financial and health literacy in order to give children the tools for a brighter future.
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