Howard Dean on School Choice

Under no circumstances abandon the public schools

We must not forget that the single most important factor in how a child learns has less to do with the quality of the building, the computers or even the teachers. The most important predictor is the attitude in that child's home. We must involve parents again; we must insist that they participate in their children's education; and we must make schools and school boards responsive to parents. But we must under no circumstances abandon the public schools, as the Bush Administration seems bent on doing. Source: Campaign web site, DeanForAmerica.com, "On the Issues" Nov 30, 2002

Apply VT's limited standards for failing schools, not GOP's

I am proud of the Vermont approach to education reform. First, we require and pay for high standard (but not standardized) testing, and publish the school-by-school results annually. Second, we use professional development to help non-performing teachers and schools do a better job. The state can take over a failing school, although I'm happy to say that has never been necessary. Finally, the state pays a substantial share of new school construction.

The federal government must recognize that an enormous number of our teachers are retiring in the coming years and provide incentives to inspire a new generation of great teachers. In addition, Washington needs to provide a cost share to help local communities fix their most rundown schools (not only improving education, but providing construction jobs).

Source: Campaign web site, DeanForAmerica.com, "On the Issues" Nov 30, 2002

Improve and invest in public schools.

Dean is a member of the Democratic Governors Association:

Principles of the Democratic Governors Association:

IMPROVING PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND INVESTING IN OUR YOUNGEST CHILDREN

Democratic Governors are leading the way with highly-trained teachers, strong standards and accountability, increased funding to repair and modernize public school facilities, access to technology and computers, and more discipline and safety in the classrooms. Democratic Governors believe the most important aspect to insure a child’s education is to have the best possible teachers in the classroom. They believe that we must value teachers as professionals, encourage their development to be the best teachers they can be for our children and compensate them accordingly. Democratic Governors favor greater parental choice, but oppose measures that weaken public schools diverting taxpayer dollars to private schools with no accountability for results. Democratic Governors around the country are also forming innovative public-private partnerships to create programs to provide early childhood education, nutrition and health care services to ensure that our children have the best possible start in life.

Source: DGA website, www.DemocraticGovernors.org/ 01-DGA2 on Aug 15, 2001

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*Other gubernatorial candidates on School Choice:*		*Howard Dean on other issues:*
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