Mitch Stands for Better Education
Do what is necessary to ensure children can read by third grade, including:
- Reduce class size in K-3
- Support teacher continuing education
- Improve early childhood education
- Assure full-day kindergarten
- Involve parents and other citizens in the reading program
Stabilize education funding across economic cycles
Reduce high school dropout rate and increase number going to college
Increase science, technology, and engineering output of higher education
Children First for Oregon has published a questionairre asking candidates their position on a variety of issues of importance to children.
For Example:
Children First: Oregon's high school dropout rate is among the five worst in the nation. As Oregon becomes more dependent on a skilled work force, the educational achievements of our youth will affect their ability to compete for better jobs in Oregon's future. As a legislator will you work to reduce the number of high school dropouts in Oregon? If yes, please explain how you will address this issue.
Mitch: We need both long-run and intermediate solutions to this problem. In the long-run we need to ensure that every child knows how to read by the time they finish the third grade. If a child can't read by the time they finish third grade their probability of becoming a high school dropout is dramatically increased.
But more intermediate solutions are also needed. First, I think we need more school/work programs for all students. I believe all students need work experience as a part of their education process. I believe this kind of education will help a great deal in reducing high school dropouts. And I do mean all students.
