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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) A strength of our system is the amount of resources dedicated to public education. Overall PA ranks near the top in funding per student. Taxpayers have demonstrated their commitment to public education. A weakness is the constant struggle of where funding originates. We value local control, but increasing funding often comes with strings. The structure of the accountability block grants is a step in the right direction. We must provide a menu of uses, not tie a school's hands, and hold schools accountable for student performance. 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 legislature needs to work with our Congressional delegation to ensure sufficient funds are available. We need to strengthen the accountability block grant program to shift more existing resources to schools with fewer strings attached - but hold schools accountable. We also need to set academic standards that mirror the spirit of No Child Left Behind. As a legislature we should expect every student to demonstrate proficiency in reading, math and science. We owe them no less. 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 Education Empowerment Act is an example of how we can meet this challenge. We also need to provide choices - charter schools, alternative education schools - for parents and school districts. Incentives to encourage teachers to locate in under-performing areas can 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) We should not mandate full time kindergarten, but provide incentives and funding for schools that choose to offer such programs. Not every child is ready for full day kindergarten or pre-school. I introduced legislation to do exactly that. 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 student should have the opportunity to learn in a safe environment; be guaranteed the opportunity to be proficient in all core subjects; to receive extra help or tutoring if needed; and an assurance that if they work hard, have the chance at affordable post secondary education. To accomplish this, I support waiving unnecessary mandates, emphasizing block grant funding, providing more resources targeted to schools in need, and ensuring our teachers are properly prepared to instruct our students.
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