Every single American child deserves a first-class education that allows them to thrive.
Patrick supports high-quality education for all of America's students, because education is the single best way to grow the middle class. Patrick believes in fully funding public education, empowering teachers, and eliminating excessive so-called "teaching to the test." To ensure our children get the best possible start in life, Patrick supports universal pre-kindergarten. He also knows to recruit the best teachers in the world, we must treat them as such. Increasing teacher pay will help public schools recruit and retain top talent, while fully funding Head Start, Title I, and IDEA will improve equal access to high quality public education.
Patrick opposes so-called reform that would divert money away from public schools and weaken public education. Instead, he supports strengthening public schools by providing additional support and services including early childhood, youth development, and family engagement.
The United States has the best universities in the world, and we should work hard to sustain them. However, not all careers require a four-year degree. We should invest in our community colleges and technical schools, so the workforce of the next generation is fully equipped to compete on the global stage.
Patrick supports the goal of debt-free college, and he believes we need to address the crushing burden of student loan debt immediately. Recent graduates and young professionals should no longer have to defer plans to buy a car, save for a down payment on a house, or start a family.