Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

We currently spend $72.8 billion on education-3rd most
in the nation, and $17,000 per pupil-most in the nation. However, our
state ranks 34th in the nation in the subjects of math and science, and we
are barely above that metric in reading (Institute of Education Sciences). This is unacceptable, especially given the amount we spend on education overall and per pupil. As your State Senator, I will advocate for the following policies to fix these problems:

* Immediately cut and cap administrator pay, currently clocking in at an average of $179,000 in most parts of the state. This will allow more money to go back into the classroom-where we need it. -Cut or eliminate pay for suspended teachers who have been expelled from the classroom, yet still get paid: $100,000 in most cases.

* Start funding trade schools in a manner that will increase equity between students who wish to pursue a trade and a traditional college education.

* Bolster the requirements for an individual to become a teacher in the state; we must require teachers to take more credits in their desired teaching area-at least 60 undergraduate credits out of a total of
120 must be in their desired subject area. Studies have proven that
teachers that have in-depth knowledge of their subjects produce better
students (Ball, and McDiarmid 1-29). Furthermore, all prospective teachers
must have at least a 3.0 graduate and undergraduate GPA combined. C level teachers will continue to yield C level students.

* Take measures to ensure that our schools are safer for both students and teachers, as school crime rates have risen 21% in recent years. As your State Senator, I will institute a multitude of different remedies instead of taking a placid approach just because I wish to keep my political career safe and to get the backing of the Teachers Union.

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