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Mark Warner on Education
Democratic VA Governor
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Home-schooling is ok; my sister home-schools her kids
Gilmore accused Warner of describing the Christian Coalition, the National Rifle Association, home-schoolers and antiabortion activists as “threatening to what it means to be a American” during a 1994 speech to the National Jewish Democratic Council.
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.
Source: 2008 VA Senate debate reported in Washington Post
, Sep 2, 2008
2004: 14 of 32 failing schools graduated from NCLB program
The PASS initiative initially included 32 schools that consistently had failed to meet Virginia’s accreditation standards and faced federal school improvement sanctions under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). As a result of PASS, 18
of the original PASS schools--the most challenged--became fully accredited. By 2004, 14 of the 32 original PASS schools “graduated” from the program by meeting (NCLB) benchmarks for increased achievement in reading & mathematics for two consecutive year
Source: 2008 Senate campaign website, markwarner2008.com, “Issues”
, Mar 9, 2008
2002 PASS initiative included private & faith-based groups
Launched in the summer of 2002, the PASS initiative started with the premise that every school could succeed if given the right tools. The PASS program broke down the competitive barriers between school divisions, and enlisted the private sector in
the work of improving achievement for children in low-performing schools. In its first four years, the program raised student achievement in low-performing schools by creating partnerships between schools, communities, businesses, and faith-based group
Source: 2008 Senate campaign website, markwarner2008.com, “Issues”
, Mar 9, 2008
Supports Standards of Learning, but not tests
Mark supports high standards and accountability, and Virginia’s new Standards of Learning are meant to provide that. Like any new system, the SOLs need constant oversight and refinement to make sure they are effective. Mark generally supports the
existing SOL standards that outline the minimum grade level and subject matter objectives students are expected to learn. He has some concerns about the history and social studies tests. While Mark supports teachers being accountable for teaching the
Standards of Learning, and students being accountable for learning, he knows that often a single test is not the best way to measure such accountability. Mark believes that teachers shouldn’t be held accountable for things they cannot control. Virginia’s
standards should be tools to improve the education of our children - not clubs with which to punish schools.
Mark also believes that the SOL system should promote real learning and analytical problem solving skills, not just rote memorization.
Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues
, Nov 6, 2001
Require character education in public schools
There’s no question that teaching morals and character is the responsibility of parents, first and foremost. But parents need all the help they can get. Our schools should re-enforce the lessons that parents teach by promoting basic values -
like tolerance, respect, hard work, and honesty. Mark supported legislation to require character education in Virginia’s public schools, and he’ll make sure Virginia keeps its commitment.
Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues
, Nov 6, 2001
Involve whole communities in schools
Schools have the special responsibility of equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed. But schools cannot do it alone. Whole communities must be involved, from the groups that run after school activities to the businesses that understand
the skills that today’s employers demand. [I support] Communities in Schools, Inc., a nationwide initiative that connects schools with community resources to help people learn, stay in school and prepare for life.
Source: MarkWarner2001.org, “Bringing Virginia Together”
, Jan 8, 2001
High-Tech Partnership for Historically Black Colleges
[Warner suports the] Virginia High-Tech Partnership, which links Virginia’s five Historically Black Colleges with more than 75 fast-growing high-tech businesses. Its accomplishments include: - Holding annual job fairs in which scores of companies
pre-screen & interview students.
- 17 companies offered students 25 internships or jobs in 1998.
- 34 companies offered 53 students internships or jobs in 1999.
- More than 65 companies are projected to offer students internships or jobs in 2000.
Source: MarkWarner2001.org, “Leaving No One Behind”
, Jan 8, 2001
No school prayer amendment
Q: Do you support amending the United States Constitution to allow voluntary prayer and/or moment of silence in public schools? A: No.
Source: 1996 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
, Jul 2, 1996
Supports public schools
Mark has always been a strong supporter of public education. His top priority will be growing Virginia’s economy - starting with a new commitment to education. Mark Warner wants all Virginia’s public schools to meet high standards of achievement,
and ensure that we are preparing all our young people for success in the future. As Governor, he will work to meet this goal in the following ways. - Recruiting & Retaining the Best Teachers
- Promoting Parental & Community Involvement
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Preparing Students for Successful Futures
- Promote early childhood education.
- Promote Family Literacy.
- Emphasize reading.
- Promote good use of educational technology.
- Expand career & technical education.
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Standards of Learning.
- Promote public school choice.
- Promote school safety.
- Support after-school programs.
- Investing in Our Schools
Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues
, Nov 6, 2001
Promote public school competition & choice
Mark believes that competition among public schools can produce some innovative approaches to learning. The fact is many Virginia public school systems offer innovative opportunities for students to learn in alternative environments best suited for them.
Public charter schools, magnet schools, alternative schools, and distance learning programs are changing the way Virginia educates our children, and Mark wants to encourage new ideas.
Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues
, Nov 6, 2001
Page last updated: Nov 05, 2011