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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 method of funding public education is its resilience to market forces; unfortunately, our funding system also causes a great disparity in funding between schools. I believe Pennsylvania should collect and distribute 50% of the cost of education, based on a formula, through income tax to schools equitably while maintaining local control. 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) First, the state legislature should demand that Washington does away with this damaging legislation! Second, schools must reprioritize their curriculum, which wouldn't be for the students benefit but to keep a major, needed funding source to maintain efficient operation. The state should facilitate the transition and make sure local school district have the tools to do it without sacrificing local and state priorities. 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) The state should be responsible for 50% of the cost of education, distribute the funds equitably, and allow schools the flexibility to use those dollars to meet their local needs while maintaining basic requirements from the state. 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) Pennsylvania should expand pre-K and full-day Kindergarten programs in low and middle income school districts. 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) No matter where a child lives he or she should have access to a quality education in the Commonwealth. Moreover, my vision for Pennsylvania includes an expansion of charter schools where young people who are gifted in specific areas can realize their potential.
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