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Bob Holden on Education
Former Democratic MO Governor
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More resources for student and teachers
The best way we can invest in Missouri’s future is by opening new educational opportunities for our children. Education must be our number one priority. The cornerstones of my plan to improve education include: adequate resources,
quality teachers, parental involvement, accountability, technology, and a safe environment where students are ready to learn. That task begins by ensuring that Missouri teachers and students have the resources they need to improve performance.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech in Missouri House Chambers
, Jan 30, 2001
Cash incentive for National Board Certification for teachers
We must encourage our teachers to strengthen their skills, through the National Board Certification program. To receive this certification, teachers go through a rigorous one-year evaluation and examination period. They must demonstrate a mastery
of advanced national standards in their subject area. Typically, this process involves more than 200 hours of after school work from teachers. Less than one out of two teachers successfully complete the program the first time; [so far] we only have 44
teachers [certified] in the entire state. I want to see one thousand teachers [certified] in our state over the next four years of my administration. I am recommending a $5,000 annual salary supplement for any Missouri teacher
who completes this program. And those who agree to help mentor other Missouri teachers for certification would receive a ten percent salary supplement.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech in Missouri House Chambers
, Jan 30, 2001
Provide parents with school accountability report cards
Unfortunately, many parents don’t have a full and accurate picture of how well their child is doing at school as compared to children at other public schools. I want to give Missouri parents that picture by establishing school accountability report cards
This action will go one step beyond our present requirement for school district report cards, so parents will know exactly what is happening at their child’s individual school. Parents will receive information on classroom conditions, the professional
qualifications of their child’s teachers, class size, graduation and dropout rates, school safety, and a report on how their tax dollars are being spent. They will be able to find even more extensive information at the school and on the Internet. By
holding schools accountable in this way, parents and taxpayers can compare the evaluation of their school with other schools in the area. School report cards will also be useful to other schools--pointing out successful school strategies and practices.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech in Missouri House Chambers
, Jan 30, 2001
Improve and invest in public schools.
Holden 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
Page last updated: Nov 21, 2011