Issue Position: Investing in Education

Issue Position

As a product of public schools and the daughter of two educators, Terri knows first hand the difference education can make in achieving the American dream--regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background. Improving education can help break the cycle of poverty that affects families all across west Alabama.

It is clear that No Child Left Behind has failed and it should be replace with a new national education policy.

Children from every background, every walk of life deserve the right to reach their full potential and Terri will not settle for less. Whether a young person wants to be a engineer, nurse, truck driver, or welder--all students should have access to an affordable education that will help them achieve the American Dream.

In Congress, Terri will fight for:

*Parental Support

Terri strongly believes that the strong foundation for a quality education starts at home. Parents and guardians must be partners in the success of our children. That's why Terri will support legislation that promotes parental involvement. From teachers and political leaders to parents and members of the business community, every group has their part to play.

*Pre-K and Early Childhood Development

Terri will work for the establishment and funding of early childhood education and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs.

*Vocational and Technical Training

Technical education and workforce preparation programs are also critical ingredients to educational success. When it comes to preparing our young people for 21st Century jobs here in west Alabama, we need students with a broad variety of skills to be well trained and prepared to move Alabama forward.

*Higher Education

Terri will work to keep college affordable for all those who want to attend. In Congress, Terri will support efforts to expand access to Pell grants to decrease the burden on working families so that every student can realize the dream of a college education.

*Historically Black Colleges and Universities

In Congress, Terri will continue to be a strong advocate for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As an attorney, Terri assisted Alabama's HBCUs in raising over $150 million dollars for campus improvements. In Washington, Terri will fight for a fair share of federal funding for HBCUs.

*Support for Teachers

Terri believes that any meaningful educational reform must improve how we train and compensate our nation's teachers. The daughter of two educators, Terri knows that excellent teachers promote excellence in schools. That's why Terri will work to give teachers the tools they need and then let them teach. Terri will support loan repayment programs and other compensation incentives to reward teachers that choose to dedicate themselves to districts in rural, underserved communities and those districts with high dropout rates.

*School Safety

Too many students are focused on staying safe in school instead of learning. That's why Terri believes that we need additional funding for school resource officers to reduce school violence and criminal activity in our public schools.

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