Issue Position: Pre-K-12 Education

Issue Position

I support the right to a high quality, free public education for the Citizens of Kansas. The changing technology-based economy of this century requires changes in equipment and training for our educators and must be supported by the state. While budgets can always be trimmed and made more efficient, constant cutting and decimating of public education has had a very negative impact on education in Kansas. Our educators and school board members have worked tirelessly to minimize this impact and I applaud those efforts.

Many states are moving toward Pre-K and all-day kindergarten for every child. The investment of $1 in pre-school education returns $7 to our economy. It is time to take actions to make these a reality in our public schools.

Many school districts have moved to project-based learning. Students develop leadership skills and learn from each other. But the responsibility falls on each student to help him or herself and other students to reach the desired outcomes. Communication skills, not just technology skills, are very important in society. The legislature can provide adequate space for learning, remove the cap on school building projects, and provide qualified teachers, social workers and academic counselors. With an improved focus on emotional and social growth of students, individual learning should be enhanced with adequate financial support. Monitoring graduation rates and after graduation outcomes of each student can provide tremendous resources for curriculum and academic program development.

Source