Education

 

K-12 Education

I am a strong believer that maintaining a world-class system of primary and secondary education with high standards in which all students can reach their potential is critically important to America’s future. I believe parents should be empowered to send their children to the school of their choice and all allowable public education funds to follow the students to the schools or services that best fit their needs - whether that’s to another public school, private school, charter school, home school or any other learning environment families choose as long as that learning environment passes the same standards set for public schools.

I believe we should strengthen our current public schools. All schools should be subject to a fair and equitable evaluation system and those that are not performing in an acceptable manner, immediate steps should be taken to get them to an acceptable standard. If this means replacing administration, staff, or teachers in order to achieve this goal, then it should be done. I do not believe that anyone in the system should be protected if they are underperforming. This does mean that all personnel in the education system should have performance evaluations and corrective actions taken. If that person continues to underperform, then they should be removed until they can adequately prove that they can meet the proper standards. Teachers should no longer be protected and “hidden” within the educational system once they are in it. And for those that do excel, I propose that a federal “reward” system that encourages outstanding performance be instituted

I propose an education system based on Florida’s B.E.S.T. standards which promote English language arts and Math Standards that bring education back to the basics by prioritizing reading, writing, arithmetic, and civics, and provides parents, teachers, and students a clear, concise, and cohesive framework without the worries of conceptual confusion.

Vocational Schools

In addition to the traditional high schools, we should invest heavily in vocational schools for those high school aged students who like hands-on, “real world” learning and may or may not have the desire to continue their education by attending a college or university after graduation.

Vocational education, or career and technical education, is exactly what it sounds like. Students learn skills that prepare them to work in a particular field after high school. Vocational schools still offer training in trades like carpentry and culinary arts. But they also feature programs in fields like health care, technology, and graphic design.

Good programs also include regular academic classes. That allows students to graduate with standard diplomas and gives them the option of going on to two- and four-year colleges. Some states offer vocational education for all four years of high school. Others have two-year programs that begin junior year. In addition to the standard diploma students may also be able to graduate with a certificate or license in their field of study.

We’re facing more and more labor shortages. There is also evidence that we’ll have shortages going forward because of low birth rates. Investing in high-quality training programs is a must to address labor shortages for skilled jobs

Community Colleges

Community colleges play a crucial role in providing accessible education, workforce training, and opportunities for diverse populations bridging the gap between high school and four year colleges and universities. This important role is indispensable. Through industry training programs, certificates, and associate degrees, community colleges offer practical career training aligned with local workforce demands. This focus on employability enhances students' job prospects and empowers them to pursue fulfilling careers in fields such as healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and skilled trades.

In addition, many students use community colleges as a steppingstone to four-year institutions, taking advantage of transfer agreements and articulation pathways to seamlessly continue their education. Community colleges often maintain partnerships with universities, allowing students to transfer credits and pursue bachelor's degrees at reduced costs. Community colleges stand out for their affordability. They offer a more budget-friendly alternative to a four-year university at about 1/3 of the tuition rate on average. As a lower-cost alternative to four-year colleges and universities, community colleges are both a gateway into higher education and, in many instances, an alternative to four-year institutions.

Community colleges in the United States are more than just alternative options for higher education; they are a primary choice for millions. They are critical in preparing individuals and addressing the skills gap for in-demand local jobs, making them key contributors to our workforce. These educational institutions and technical colleges offer affordable and accessible education, which is often tailored to meet the needs of the local job market. This not only prepares students for available job opportunities, but also contributes to the economic growth and development of local communities

Their role in shaping the next generation of workers can’t be overstated. Community colleges are a diverse hub for developing and strengthening our economy’s ever-changing workforce, as well as increasing representation in the workforce for those typically underrepresented.

But as an affordable, accessible, learning- and skills-centered option, especially for non-traditional students, community colleges deserve much more support, funding, and respect than they currently receive. I would support an initiative that enhances the community college’s role and their acceptance as a four year college alternative.

NOTE: A pdf version of this document is available by clicking here !

America! What a great place to live.