Improving Education
Education
is vital for our country to maintain a competitive edge in today's
world market, and a fundamental component of our society. I believe
local officials are in the best position to make decisions about
their schools and curriculums, and I also believe it is important
to insist on performance from both our students and teachers so
children leave our schools with a foundation for success.
While there is much to tout about No Child Left Behind, the law
should be revisited. I worry that teachers are placing so much time
and energy on readying students for tests that learning - and the
joy and magic from learning - can take a backseat. I believe there
should be greater flexibility in testing for students with
disabilities, class size reduction, the formula for "failed"
schools, and the role of counselors.
As a parent, I understand the astronomical cost of sending
children to college, and the need for financial aid and Pell
grants. I have always supported increases in Pell Grants, but I do
not think it was prudent in this economy to potentially limit
students' access to student loans. I thought we had a good balance
with students able to take out both federal and private loans, and
I'm not sure gutting an industry that employs 30,000 in this
economy, with no debate on the Floor, makes sense right now. I'm
also troubled that this was done through the reconciliation bill
associated with changes to the health care overhaul. I tend to
worry whenever the federal government takes a sudden expanded role
or jumpstarts a new program on short notice. I am reminded that the
federal government was so overwhelmed by the Cash for Clunkers
program that it couldn't even cut checks in just two amounts in a
timely fashion. The transition to this new program must be seamless
so college educations are not disrupted.