Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Alabama has made great progress in education, but there is much more we can do. Educating our young people and adequately preparing them for successful careers in tomorrow's economy is the most important job of any state.

Money is not the only solution to the problems of education, and while we must always make certain that our schools are funded, we must also work to ensure that there is adequate accountability. We must recruit and retain quality teachers. We need to enhance our support of programs that are working, like the Alabama Reading Initiative, the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative, and the Pre-K program. We must work to bring discipline to the classroom environment, while working with local officials to ensure that parents are fully involved in their children's educations.

But we must not only focus our efforts on K-12 education. Our institutions of higher education are also critical to the development of our young people, and to our economic development efforts. We have many outstanding colleges, universities and community colleges all across Alabama meeting the needs of our students at every level. Students in Alabama have the option of pursuing a four year or two year degree or participating in one of the finest work force development programs in the country offering preparation for jobs that may not require a degree. It's a wise investment for us to do everything in our power to help our schools continue to deliver quality programs to their students.

As a product of Alabama schools, I am firmly committed to supporting education, from the lowest entering grades through higher education, and will continue to do so as your Lt. Governor.

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