Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

We, as Nevadans, do not spend too little on education. However, the money is not spent in the most effective areas.

Also, parents must have a choice in the education of their children.

An annual survey by Education Week magazine ranks Nevada 50th in the nation for the quality of its public K-12 education.

Let's apply
"The Jaime Escalante Model " :

1. Start with excellent teachers.

2. Don't use poverty, gangs, and social problems as an excuse for not achieving excellence.

To achieve excellence in education in our state:

1. The budget must be focused on the classroom rather than any other area. Allow our schools to be centers for students rather than adult employment centers.

2. Recruit the best teachers no matter where they're to be found. Our Nevada Education Department should fast track those teachers to the classroom and not use regulations as the excuse to stop them.

3. Give the principals more input into the make-up of their staffs.

4. Implement a voucher system to allow parental choice.

5. Insist on expanding the "Open Enrollment" policy.

6. Encourage Charter Schools.

7. Encourage Home Schooling.

8. Expand the number of Empowerment Schools.

9. Repeal the "Blaine Amendment".

10. Explore the educational models of states that work, like the Florida model.

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