Jim Gilmore on Education Senate challenger 2008; previously Republican Governor (VA)

Hired 4,000 new teachers for public schools

No Child Left Behind Act isn't working

Gilmore: While I was governor, the General Assembly voted for my efforts to hire 4,000 new teachers so we could get our education resources into the classroom where they could make a difference for our children. Today, as a result of that effort the pupil teacher ratio in Virginia is the third best in the nation. I also worked to implement the Standards of Learning, mandated that state lottery proceeds be used for education and helped Virginia's college students by cutting the cost of college tuition by 20 percent. As for changes, I do not believe the "No Child Left Behind Act" is working and I believe we need to return those responsibilities to the states.

Warner: The federal role in public education should be to provide the right incentives for underperforming schools. While I agree with the goals of No Child Left Behind, I think the policy has been poorly implemented.

Claims Warner said home-schooling threatens America

Warner, who was executive director of the Virginia Democratic Party when those comments were allegedly made, responded by noting that his sister home-schools her children and that he has long had a reputation for being a supporter of gun rights.

Begin an honest conversation about college costs

A: We have to begin an honest conversation about costs and expenses at the college level. Like anything else, we have to know what a college Then we can address the best way to fund cost. Most importantly, we need to get people more prosperous so they are not at the mercy of a loan program.

College scholarships for every qualified needy student

I believe every high school graduate who wants the opportunity to earn a college education should be able to afford that opportunity. Two years ago, we provided our colleges and universities with an additional $75 million to cut tuition by 20% and then freeze it at that level. We’re already seeing results. But we must work to make a college education even more affordable.
1. I propose beginning to meet 100% of the true financial need of every college student. This will ensure that even our neediest students have the opportunity to earn a college degree.
2. I propose a merit-based New Century Scholarship. Beginning with the graduating class of 2004, this program will provide a $3,000 scholarship to the top 20 students in each class and a $500 scholarship to each student for an advanced score on an end-of-course test. New Century Scholarships will give the children of working parents-a part of our society that is too often forgotten-an incentive and opportunity to succeed.

Expand Algebra Readiness Initiative; hire more teachers

Raise teacher pay with local funds

More support for traditional African-American universities

A: Higher education is a top priority for this administration. My 1st act as governor was to establish a blue-ribbon commission on higher education Their task is to find ways to achieve quality, affordability, and accountability to the taxpayers who fund the universities. By the way, I believe the traditional African-American universities need a greater commitment of support, and I am doing that.

Moment of silence does not infringe on students’ rights

At the commencement of the first class of each day in all grades in all public schools, the teacher in charge of the room in which such class is held shall announce that a period of silence, not to exceed one minute in duration, shall be observed for meditation, prayer or reflection; during any such period of meditation, prayer or reflection, silence shall be maintained, and no other activities shall be performed.

Calls for a voucher plan in Virginia schools