How would you handle issues created by the No Child Left Behind Law?
As a state board member, I would want to begin by reviewing the federal funding regulations for NCLB. I understand that, in Kansas, we receive around three million federal dollars annually. We can’t afford to lose that funding. I would favor a more flexible, realistic plan of accountability that would allow schools to use those federal dollars in the most efficient, cost-effective manner possible. I would lobby the federal government for more money, as well. They mandate this program. I believe they should adequately fund it!
I believe that we should have high expectations for our students. I want each student to be the best that he can be. Our standards must require mastery of basic skills that build to a higher level so that our students are prepared to be productive, literate workers and citizens. I would direct the KSBE staff to assist schools in meeting standards by providing staff development and examples of Best Practices. I would strengthen early intervention programs. I would stress teacher retention, recruitment and training. Keeping good teachers in the classroom is the key to improving student performance. And finally, I would support revising Kansas testing to make it more realistic and reflective of true student performance.
What do you believe the state board’s role should be on school safety issues?
This is a a local issue. The state board must provide support for local school districts as they look for ways to prevent school violence. Local districts are currently reviewing their crisis intervention plans to be sure they include the most effective security measures. Experts say that one of best ways of solving this problem is to get parents, schools leaders, students and law enforcement to work together. The Kansas State Department of Education should be a clearing house for information on how to improve communication and cooperation between these groups. The state board could bring in experts to act as advisors or to present training. They could lobby the legislature for funding for security.
What are the three greatest challenges facing education in Kansas?
Teacher shortage
Financial and educational challenges associated with No Child Left Behind
School safety
What changes or additions need to be made to curriculum requirements?
We must be sure that our standards include basic skills that build the foundation for our students to master the higher levels of reading, writing, math and science required for them to live and compete in the 21st century. The board should begin by reviewing science standards to ensure that they are aligned with recommendations of scientists and scientific organizations. As the reading, writing, mathematics standards come up for review, the board should appoint the best qualified educators and experts in the field to review those standards. I would like to see more emphasis on character building in our curriculum to enable students to develop those qualities of responsibility and perseverance that are so essential when they go out into the workplace.
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent?
The State Board of Education sets policy for elementary and secondary schools-grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The Board of Regents sets policy for colleges and universities. My 27 years of experience has been in elementary and secondary schools in Kansas. I taught second grade for eight years, taught reading for five years and was a curriculum coordinator for 14 years. During that time, I worked with teachers to develop curriculum that aligned with Kansas standards, I coordinated state testing and helped develop performance tests. I oversaw teacher certification and I planned and administered a federal fund budget of over $1 million. I was a chairperson for over 30 schools in Kansas as they developed school improvement plans for QPA or NCA accreditation. These are primary areas of responsibility for the Kansas State Board of Education. I have over 60 years of experience as a student, parent and grandparent in Kansas. I’ve served for over 8 years on the Independence Community College Board of Trustees. My practical elementary and secondary school experience, my policy making experience, and my common sense approach will enable me to make good decisions for kids and schools in Kansas.