Education

By Basia Crane

Increase in Ca K-12 education funding to the national average. Make literacy focus in Reading and Mathematics a priority. Increase beginning teachers' salaries to attract more qualified candidates. Fund school reform efforts that target student achievement. Support class size reduction at all levels. Give local schools more autonomy in spending state monies.

1. I support the following agenda for education in California: Increase in California K-12 education funding to at least the national average. Governor Gray Davis' budget still leaves per pupil spending $1,300 below the national average.

2. Increase student achievement with a priority literacy focus in Reading and Mathematics. 65 per cent of California students read below grade level. Support funding appropriate training for teachers in Reading as every teacher should be responsible for teaching it in the content area.

3. Increase beginning teachers' salaries/incentives that would attract more qualified candidates for meeting the teacher shortage and teacher competence especially in Mathematics and Science. Support funding/programs that properly credential and train incoming teachers and provide for supportive assistance to new teachers. Provide financial incentives for dedicated teachers to stay in the profession.

4. Fund school reform efforts that target student achievement, high performance, teacher innovation and collaboration and student/school safety. Would also support increasing the allocation of charter schools.

5. Support class size reduction at all levels, coupled with the need for additional classroom space and renovation of aging school facilities. Support state school facility bonds for school modernization and new construction to alleviate the impact of class size reduction on schools.

6. Finally, I believe the state must unencumber some of the restrictions and regulations so that local schools have more autonomy in how to spend state monies.