Tim Pawlenty on Education Republican MN Governor

Pro-school choice policies; including pro-charter laws

In a 2008 report, Minnesota was tied for fifth most pro-school choice state. Minnesota received high marks for education tax credits, but scored zero on both the voucher and scholarship categories of the report. Minnesota was also the only state to offer a refundable education tax credit to low income families. In 2010, Pawlenty proposed a strongly pro-school choice education bill which included allowing successful charter schools to open additional sites. In 2011, he issued a statement praising the U.S. House for passing a bill that reinstated the Washington, D.C. school voucher program opposed by President Obama.

Let school districts decide on teaching intelligent design

A: The approach we took in Minnesota is to say there should be room in the curriculum for study of intelligent design. Didn't need to be in science class. We didn't decide that at the state level. We left that up to the local districts and parents; I think that's a reasonable and appropriate approach.

Q: You didn't answer my question about whether you personally equate a faith-based theory with scientific inquiry?

A: I believe that should be left up to parents and local districts and not states or federal government.

Parents should have educational options, like home schooling

1991: lengthening the school year for high schoolers

3R solution: Rigor, Relevance, & Results for high schools

Require Pledge of Allegiance in public schools

• Signed legislation requiring the Pledge of Allegiance in Minnesota’s public schools.
• Expanded access and increased funding for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs.
• Repealed the Profile of Learning and raised the bar on education with: Minnesota Academic Standards--rigorous academic requirements for math, reading, science, social studies and arts.

Student standards & teacher standards