Issues
Education Issues in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, it is time to start tackling issues related to how we provide a thorough and efficient public education system, as required by our Constitution and an excellent education for every child, as required by a powerful need to meet the future head on. We need leaders to take up a pro-active agenda on public education, commit to the work it will take to get Pennsylvania on track to an excellent educational system and to be accountable for moving this agenda forward. We need strong leaders, a bi-partisan effort and an aggressive forward thinking agenda. It is time for the Pennsylvania legislature to:
Give every child in Pennsylvania a fair start with universal access to pre-K.
Research shows that every dollar invested yields a seven-dollar return. It is a prudent investment and smart spending, especially in financially challenging times. Children get off to a great start – ready to learn and it makes the classroom experience more effective for years to come.
Ensure access for all to a meaningful high school education. Time in high school should be time well spent – preparing for the future with a modern, relevant curriculum and a diploma that means you are well prepared to continue your education, join the workforce and be a successful part of the community.
Staff all schools with excellent teachers who are well supported by effective school leaders; provide the training, high expectations and support needed for excellent professionals to thrive.
Fix Pennsylvania’s school funding formula to provide the basis for an excellent education for every child. A sound funding system must reduce the over-reliance on property taxes, be immune from economic swings and provide equitable and appropriate funding to all communities – large and small, rural, urban and suburban.
Adopt a rational system for special education funding based on updated student numbers, district needs and appropriate and inclusive education for each child. Funding mechanisms should not pit the needs of one group of children against another.
Increase preparation for, participation in and financial aid access to post secondary education. We need our high school graduates to come out of school ready for college if they want to go, and for families to be able to and afford it.
Make Pennsylvania a national leader in education policy, adopting and implementing innovative policies to lead our children into the future. Pennsylvania’s future will be defined by how we prepare for it. We need to invest in the next generation, prepare them with the skills to create the prosperity and the jobs we need for Pennsylvania. This means setting our sights on leading the way in investing in education.
