Education

A one-size-fits-all education policy isn’t working for West Tennessee, and it isn’t working for America. No one in Washington understands what the educational needs are in West Tennessee better than West Tennessee families and teachers. That is why I will support education decisions being made at the state and local level, not in Washington.

Common Core

Common Core is a state-led initiative to adopt a set of common education standards across the nation. Adoption of Common Core in Tennessee was a state-level decision made by former Governor Phil Bredesen, the State Board of Education, and the Tennessee State Legislature starting in 2009. Education standards are not set by the federal government, so any decisions related to Common Core will be made by the Tennessee State Legislature, Governor and State Board of Education, not the U.S. Congress. However, the Obama Administration has overreached into our lives, once again, to try to push states toward adopting its preferred education standards by tying federal grants to the adoption of Common Core or similar standards. I will continue to work for legislation that will permanently remove the federal government’s involvement in Common Core and gives control back to the parents and teachers who know our students best.

K-12 Education

The American education system is in crisis and it is in need of serious reform. For far too long, political leaders have tried to dictate to teachers and schools what they should accomplish. Micro-management of teachers and administrators is not working. The most practical way to begin this process is to restore much of the power and funding to the state and local levels. Not all school districts across the country are equal. In fact, not all of the school districts in the 8th District of Tennessee are equal. Each has its own unique student body and its own unique needs, and conforming to a national standard may not be in the best interest of those students. If the decisions about curriculum were left to the states or local institutions of government to decide, more effective methods could be created for the education of the youth of Tennessee. I will work hard to return federal money to the states, and to give parents and students more say in the education process by advocating for school choice and charter schools, both of which will provide greater opportunities for the families and students in the 8th District of Tennessee.

Higher Education Reform

The world is a competitive place, and to ensure that America remains in the game, it is important that our children receive some sort of higher education, whether that’s a four-year degree from a university or a job-training program at a local community college. The rising cost of college could put that ability out of the reach of many middle and low-income families. For those who do attend college, graduates have an average of $23,000 in student debt, making it difficult for them to start their professional life at an advantage. We need to ensure that the youth of our nation have the tools necessary to stay competitive in the world, and are afforded access to the higher education they need to accomplish that goal.

See also information on student financial aid.