Position on Education

By Barbara Heller

1. Smaller class sizes in all grades, especially in lower ones.
2. Emphasis on fundamentals such as reading, communication skills, and math.
3. Parental involvement. This is achieved through incentive programs.
4. Safe schools. This is an absolute imperative considering the recent tragic occurrence in Littleton, Colorado.
5. Support to teachers. Teachers and the teaching process should receive the principle emphasis. District and school administration, while important, should not supersede the primary mandate of schools, that of educating our children.
6. Increased funding for facilities. We cannot allow our children to attend schools, which are antiquated or structurally defective. We must insist on safe, comfortable and pleasant surroundings conducive to learning. In addition, schools must have adequate equipment (computers) and supplies.
7. Reduction of barriers. We must do everything possible to eliminate any racial, ethnic, social, or sexual discrimination.
8. A lower ratio of students to counselors. More counselors to implement conflict resolution peacefully between students and to recognize at-risk students.
9. Programs and funding for early (age three to five) childhood education.

In order to achieve the ten year goal, we must do more than articulate a positive position on education. Governor Davis and the California Legislature in 1999 have taken the first steps, but responsibility for progress must be a shared effort. Our goal can only be achieved when law makers advocate for education and when Californians including industry, parents, and local decision makers, commit to finance education adequately and to participate actively in the process. I support the reduction to a majority vote on special elections relating to school support including Bonds.