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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 state must come closer to contributing 50% toward the cost of public education than it did during the 1990's. In that decade we saw the state's share fall from 46% to 34%, which places an unfair burden on local communities through the property tax. That is devastating to seniors on fixed incomes and poorer communities. Furthermore, the basic subsidy formula must be revised to insure an equitable education for students in poorer communities and rural communities. The state must also reduce unneeded mandates and unnecessary paper work. 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) We can't under fund districts and put them in situations where they have to cut tutoring programs, raise class size, or not move forward with improvements in early childhood education. Second, we should press for alterations in the benchmarks that measure proficiencies. Special needs students are identified for a reason. We give them individualized educational programs so that can succeed according to their ability. They should not be taking the same test as other students. 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) First, the issue of equity funding must be addressed. Second, we should expand on the bi-partisan accountability grant program that dedicates money for tutoring, smaller primary class sizes, full day kindergarten and pre-K education. These are programs that have proven records. They can assist school districts in closing achievement gaps when properly funded. Finally, the Department of Education should highlight programs used by local districts that are successful. Sharing what works will benefit all. 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) Continue to fund and expand the Accountability Grant Program that recognizes the value of full-day kindergarten and pre-K programs. We should also recognize the success story of the Head start program and make a greater commitment to that program. Pennsylvania lags behind other states when it comes to Pre-K education. Forty other states made a public commitment for such programs before Pennsylvania admitted the need, especially for lower income families. 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) I am proud of my record of support for public schools. Pennsylvania's system is one of the best in the nation despite efforts to weaken it by those with ulterior motives. I will listen to and work with those who are involved in maintaining that which is good and promoting reform when needed. To ensure public support for education, we will have to find ways to minimize our reliance on property taxes. Property tax reductions from slot revenues are a start but more has to be done.
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