State of Alaska Archives: on Education
Al Gross:
Make college more affordable & accessible
As the father of college students and recent graduates, I also know how important a college education can be and how cost-prohibitive higher education is for many Alaskans.
I will fight to make college more affordable and accessible for all Alaskans and I support earlier tracking into trade schools.
Source: 2020 Alaska Senate campaign website DrAlGrossAK.com
Nov 20, 2019
Bill Walker:
Our public schools must be adequately funded
- Our public schools must be adequately funded but it is the quality of our teachers, not our facilities & equipment, that make the critical difference
- Our focus needs to be on attracting and retaining the very best educators who approach their
positions as a calling, not just a job
- Those schools that have added Career & Technical Education (CTE) into their curriculum have proven to be hugely successful. This option needs to be added to other schools with a particular focus being preparation
for Alaska jobs.
- All children deserve a healthy start in life that prepares them for successful academic experience. That means experience with literacy.
As a product of the public school system here in Alaska from kindergarten through high
school, I received an educational foundation that amply prepared me for college and law school. Our public schools must be adequately funded. Even in times like the present fiscal crisis maintaining funding for public education needs to be a priority.
Source: 2014 Governor campaign website, WalkerMallottForAlaska.com
Nov 4, 2014
Bill Walker:
Expand voucher eligibility
On school budget: "We're thrilled about the things that are in here," Walker said, standing in front of students who later gathered with Republican lawmakers around the governor as he signed the bill into law.
The budget increases the income eligibility limits to 220 percent of the federal poverty level for families to send their children to private schools with taxpayer-funded vouchers.
Source: FOX 6 Now on 2018 Alaska Governor race
Sep 21, 2017
Billy Toien:
Move education from failing public system to private sector
Q: Would you support a constitutional amendment that would allow public funds to be spent on private or religious K-12 education?
TOIEN: "Free education for all children in public schools." This is the 1st sentence of the 10th plank of the Communist manifesto. So yes as a first step toward moving education from the confines of the failing public system to the private sector.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Oct 25, 2018
Cean Stevens:
Let parents decide on educational decisions for their kids
Q: What are your suggestions to increase accountability of public schools?A: Administrators should be held accountable to a high level of excellence. If they are not able to perform to those standards, they should be released and replaced.
Q: Would you support a constitutional amendment that would allow public funds to be spent on private or religious K-12 education?
If such an amendment were to pass, would you then support voucher or some similar grant to parents of state funds that they could spend on private or religious education for their children?
A: The resources of the state belong to the people of
the state. The children of the state belong to the parents of the state. Why shouldn't parents be allowed to be a major part of the educationally decisions of their children?
Source: Alaska Dispatch News on 2016 Alaska Senate race
Oct 29, 2014
Cean Stevens:
Let all students consider all options
Education is the foundation we set for our children to enjoy the increased opportunities of gainful employment in Alaska. Few issues are as important, yet Alaska is letting our students down. We must demand improvement and results for all
students and be able to consider all options.Reforming education will require us to think outside the box and consider students of all ages. I will work for greater vocational training opportunities for students headed into the workforce;
Only 18% are college-bound. Education MUST reflect reality. We must serve the individual needs of each student, not the perpetuation of the institution.
Do you support the Federal Template of "Common Core" on our students? I don't! Some promote "Great Alaskan Schools" I promote "Great Alaskan Students."
Source: 2016 Alaska Senate campaign website, CeanStevens.com
Mar 10, 2016
Joe Miller:
Federal funding is unconstitutional
Q: Do you support federal education standards and testing for K-12? A: No.
Q: Do you support federal funding for universal pre-K programs?
A: No.
Q: Do you support federal funding for charter schools?
A: No.
Q: Do you support federal
funding for K-12 school vouchers?
A: No.
Miller adds, "I believe education should be left up to state and local governments. The federal government has no authority under the Constitution to create education standards or provide funding for schools.
Source: Alaska Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Joe Miller:
Oppose nationwide Common Core standards
Question topic: The federal government should establish nationwide standards (such as Common Core) for high-school graduation.
Miller: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Les Gara:
Worked to expand, increase funding for pre-K
When families' testimonials and empirical data showed that Alaska's children were falling behind due to a lack of early childhood education, Rep. Gara worked with then-Gov. Sarah Palin to win a needed, long-overdue increase in
pre-kindergarten education funding, and he and others have fought, successfully, to expand effective voluntary pre-K to more families since then.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Jun 16, 2018
Lisa Murkowski:
College Access Challenge Grants for at-risk students
- Successfully enacted legislation to make Ilisagvik College in Barrow eligible Federal Land Grant School funding (2008).
- Consistently supports funding for Ilisagvik College through the Tribally Controlled Colleges & Universities grant program.
- Consistently supports funding for certain rural campuses of the University of Alaska through the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions program.
- Sponsored, fought vigorously for, and won a provision to make it easier
for lower rank/lower income members of the military, their spouses, and their children to qualify for federal Pell Grants (2007).
- Sponsored and won authorization for the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program at the University of Alaska (2008).
- Inspired the creation of and directly negotiated the details of the new College Access Challenge Grant Program (2007) to help more at-risk students prepare for and attend college.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2011 Alaska Senate incumbents
Jan 1, 2011
Mark Begich:
Guarantee school funding; endorsed by state NEA
Alaska's governor's race is newly up for grabs after independent Gov. Bill Walker abruptly dropped out of the race last week. Walker's supporters have flocked to Begich's side.With the incumbent governor out of the race, Begich has quickly
consolidated establishment support on the left, after facing initial criticism for running against Walker. The state chapter of the National Education Association jumped on-board Begich's campaign. "There has never been a starker contrast
between two candidates and their vision for public education than exists between Mark Begich and [Republican opponent] Mike Dunleavy," the state NEA's PAC said in a statement supporting Begich.
In campaign ads, Begich has made pledges on "guaranteeing
school funding" and criticized Dunleavy for cutting "funds for law enforcement." By contrast, Dunleavy's website lists reducing state spending as one of his six major policy points while also bringing "jobs and investment into Alaska."
Source: Politico.com's Daniel Strauss on 2018 Alaska Governor race
Oct 25, 2018
Mary Peltola:
Quality schools are vital to the future of our communities
Quality schools are vital to the future of our communities. Students and teachers need support to strengthen our communities and see improved educational outcomes. I support language immersion, cultural, and Alaska history education.
Alaska Native culture keeps our children safe and our communities strong. Many of our state's languages are on the verge of extinction. I will champion resources for language and cultural revitalization efforts.
Ensuring Alaskans have access to high quality and affordable childcare is critical to the wellbeing of Alaska families and economic growth. I support the child care and pre-k provisions discussed as part of the
Build Back Better framework, and will prioritize getting those items across the finish line.
Source: 2022 Alaska House campaign website MaryPeltola.com
Sep 1, 2022
Mike Chenault:
Students futures depend on an education that prepares them
"I am looking at all the options to see if the support is there to run for Governor in 2018," said Chenault, in a statement released this afternoon. "I'm not satisfied with the direction of the current administration and
where the state is headed. We need to resolve our fiscal issues, create a climate where businesses can thrive, and continue to develop an educational system that will enable our children to learn and be part of our future work force."
Source: Must Read Alaska on 2018 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Sep 12, 2017
Mike Dunleavy:
Manager of cutting-edge statewide teacher mentor project
Mike Dunleavy is the Program Manager for the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project. Each year the Project connects highly trained mentors to serve the needs of over 375 teachers new to the profession. Mike oversees the partnerships between the
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development, the University of Alaska statewide system, and participating school districts. "We are on the cutting edge and lead the nation in the concept of teacher mentoring nationwide."
Source: U. of Alaska press release on 2018 Alaska gubernatorial race
Jan 1, 2018
Mike Dunleavy:
Introduced bipartisan Alaska Reads Act to promote literacy
As a state, we have a moral imperative to provide the best education we possibly can for every Alaskan child. I introduced the Alaska Reads Act: a bi-partisan approach to reading that reallocates resources with a focus on evidence-based solutions,
including statewide teacher training, department-employed reading specialists, and the implementation of early literacy interventions.
Source: 2020 Alaska State of the State address
Jan 27, 2020
Mike Dunleavy:
Increase funding for public homeschooling
I'll be introducing legislation to increase funding for public homeschooling. Throughout the pandemic, public homeschooling has jumped from 11 to 22% of our students. With so many parents now working remotely, many students will also choose to be
educated remotely. It's important that we continue to meet the needs of these families through the purchase of textbooks, tutoring, and other educational materials and services.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 28, 2021
Mike Dunleavy:
Protect rights of parents in education of their children
I have always envisioned an Alaska where parents are the most crucial component in the educational success of their children. This is why I've supported our public schools, home schools, charter schools, and other schools of choice. I envision an Alaska
where parents and children are . and remain . at the forefront of every educational decision we make, and I will continue to protect the rights of parents in the education of their children.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 25, 2022
Ray Metcalfe:
More funds for teacher salary & school buildings
Metcalfe supports the following principles regarding education:- Support national standards and testing of public school students.
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Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
- Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
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Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
- Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
- Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
- Increase state funding to expand Head Start programs.
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Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
- Support age-appropriate sexual education programs that teach about abstinence, contraceptives and HIV/STD prevention methods.
Source: Alaska Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Sarah Palin:
Fully fund K-12 and support early funding of education
My budget includes fully funding the "K through 12" foundation formula. In addition, I've included more than $200 million in new dollars to cover the increased retirement costs for local school districts, so that more local school district dollars get
into the classroom, where the money belongs. We're facing a potential $10 billion PERS/TRS retirement plan shortfall that affects local schools. Our $200 million dollar line item for school districts is part of the half BILLION dollar proposal to help th
districts, local governments and the state alleviate the pension plan burden while we work with the Legislature on a long-term solution. I've also committed to help provide local school districts with more predictability, for better planning by
supporting "early funding of education." I'll introduce a separate education appropriation bill and ask that it's passed. Our local school districts deserve to know what they have to work with early enough for them to create efficiencies through planning
Source: 2007 State of the State Address to 24th Alaska Legislature
Jan 17, 2007
Sarah Palin:
School debate should focus on accountability
In education, we are shaping a three-year funding plan to finally shift the school debate from perpetual "money talk" to accountability and achievement!
We are focusing on foundational skills needed in the "real-world" workplace and in college.
Source: 2008 State of the State Address to 25th Alaska Legislature
Jan 15, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Committed to providing strong education, including morals
It is our energy development that pays for essential services, like education. Victor Hugo said, "He who opens a school door, closes a prison." It's a privileged obligation we have to "open education doors."
Every child, of every ability, is to be cherished and loved and taught. Every child provides this world hope. They are the most beautiful ingredient in our sometimes muddied up world. I am committed to our children and their education.
Stepping through "the door" is about more than passing a standardized test. We need kids prepared to pass life's tests--like getting a job and valuing a strong work ethic. Our Three-year Education
Plan invests more than a billion dollars each year. We must forward-fund education, letting schools plan ahead. We must stop pink-slipping teachers, and then struggle to recruit and retain them the next year.
Source: 2008 State of the State Address to 25th Alaska Legislature
Jan 15, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Budget funds education, but will to work is also critical
We're asking lawmakers to pass a new K-12 funding plan this year. This is an investment that is needed to increase the base student allocation, district cost factors and intensive needs students. It includes $100 million in school construction and
deferred maintenance. There is awesome potential to improve education and embrace choice for parents. This potential will prime Alaska to compete in a global economy. Beyond high school, we will boost job training and University options.
We are proposing more than $10 million in new funding for apprenticeship programs, expansion of construction, engineering and health care degrees. But it must be about more than funds, it must be a change in philosophy.
It is time to shift focus, from just dollars to "caliyulriit," which is Yupik for "people who want to work." Work for pride in supporting our families. It's about results and getting kids excited about their future--whether it is college, trade school or
Source: 2008 State of the State Address to 25th Alaska Legislature
Jan 15, 2008
Sarah Palin:
294 Alaska public schools progressed under NCLB
Congratulations to the staff at the 294 Alaska public schools that made adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) standards for the 2007-2008 school year. Our schools faced a higher bar in 2007-2008 for the percentages of
students who score proficient in language arts and math assessments. Congratulations to the many schools that continue to improve in student achievement but may have fallen short in 1 or 2 of the 31 categories schools are held accountable for in NCLB.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: August 2008 Newsletter
Aug 20, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Supports $20 million needs-based aid for U. Alaska
We have no needs-based aid for Alaska students. Governor Murkowski tried to put $20 million in the budget for aid, but the Legislature rejected it. Let's make our own University available to students who might otherwise go without higher education.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Forward-fund K-12 schools to allow better planning
I support adequate and full funding for education, as well as for pupil transportation and municipal school debt reimbursements. There must be recognition for increases in costs for energy, utilities, insurance, and salaries. We cannot go back to the day
of simply ignoring inflation. A centerpiece of my fiscal plan is to forward fund K-12. School districts will be able to do a better job of planning their budgets for upcoming years if they know in advance the level of funding they can expect from Juneau.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Supports charter schools, home schools, & other alternatives
My administration will support existing programs that already offer alternative school options available throughout the state, including charter schools, rural boarding schools, home school options, correspondence schools, and vocational/technical,
and magnet schools. There are many successes out there that we can look to as models. My administration will support and expand existing programs that successfully offer new approaches to ensure an appropriate education for every child in Alaska.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Target early education programs to at-risk groups
The State should target early education programs to specific at-risk groups that truly need them. These groups will benefit from access to high-quality programs currently out of their reach. We must find a way for these children to obtain a safe and
positive environment in their early years. Today, social & economic pressures sometimes encourage both parents to return to work outside the home. My administration will publish useful educational material for parents about children in their early years.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Alignment between parents, teachers, schools, & business
Alignment is the unity of purpose which brings parents, children, teachers, public administration and businesses together towards a common goal of quality education. Alignment towards the common goal is built upon the values of respect for one another,
our unique cultures and traditions, and our individual personal values. Here is how Alignment fits together:- Parents understand the importance of their involvement with and their responsibility for their child's education.
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Children attend class ready to learn.
- Teachers are allowed to teach without distraction.
- Administrations sustain an environment where performance and options are valued.
- Business will help define the outcomes needed for employment.
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Parents are the first educators.
- Teachers are responsible for providing a rich classroom environment.
- Administration is responsible to their community for costs, safety, and choice.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Faith-based materials ok in homeschooling
Ideally, the purpose of administration is to ensure that our schools offer such choices to parents, students and teachers. Choice in public education is a relatively new idea, but is already widely implemented.
We see from our experience that innovation such as charter schools, homeschools, correspondence, Montessorri, and various other alternative schools have a broad appeal to parents, students, teachers and administrators.
There is still room to grow our choices to serve more families.I support and respect the rights of independent homeschoolers and those who partner with local and state-wide school districts.
There must be equity in treatment of all homeschoolers in all programs across the state. The use of privately-purchased, faith-based materials should not be a reason for withholding funding.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
ABC method: back to basics, plus patriotism & ethics
I believe we need to respect families and provide greater access to curricula and programs that teach ethics and character. The ABC method is a local program that depends strongly on these principles. ABC students have nightly homework, back to basics
curriculum, patriotism, ethics and citizenship training. Programs such as ABC have core principles of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Supports parental choice for what is best for their children
- Sarah Palin supports adequate funding for education and will work hard to provide more vocational and technical training to create good job opportunities for our youth.
- Sarah Palin supports after school activities and guidance centers to
give our youth hope and keep them off the streets.
- Sarah supports parental choice so that parents can choose what is best for their children -- vocational training, a public school, charter school, private school or home schooling.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska
Nov 3, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Don't push school boards on creationism but allow discussion
The volatile issue of teaching creation science in public schools popped up in the Alaska governor's race this week when Republican Sarah Palin said she thinks creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the state's public classrooms. Palin was
answering a question from the moderator when she said, "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."In an interview, Palin said she meant
only to say that discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms: "I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum." She added that, if
elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state's required curriculum. "I won't have religion as a litmus test, or anybody's personal opinion on evolution or creationism," Palin said.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: Anchorage Daily News follow-up
Oct 27, 2006
Sarah Palin:
I believe we have a creator; and many theories of evolution
Palin said she thought there was value in discussing alternatives. "It's OK to let kids know that there are theories out there," she said in an interview following the debate. "They gain information just by being in a discussion."That was how she was
brought up, she said. Her father was a public school science teacher. "My dad did talk a lot about his theories of evolution," she said. "He would show us fossils and say, ‘How old do you think these are?' "
Asked for her personal views on evolution,
Palin said, "I believe we have a creator." She would not say whether her belief also allowed her to accept the theory of evolution as fact. "I'm not going to pretend I know how all this came to be," she said.
Knowles was asked Thursday if he believed
in a creator and, if so, how he reconciled that with evolution. A campaign spokeswoman responded, "Tony wants to stick by what he said last night -- creationism has no place in public school classrooms as an ‘alternative' to evolution."
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: Anchorage Daily News follow-up
Oct 27, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Court ruling against NEA: state adequately funds education
Alaska has "fully met its constitutional obligation to adequately fund education," an Anchorage Superior Court ruled today in the case of Moore vs. Alaska. The plaintiffs--which included NEA-Alaska and several school districts--sued the state, asking the
court to order significantly more state funding for Alaska schools--seeking to double Alaska's education budget. Instead, the Judge left decisions about the state's education funding formula to the Legislature, and said the court would not determine
educational programs. The judge's ruling said the evidence shows that Alaska has "thorough and appropriate" educational standards and a "finely tuned" method of testing children.
But the state must be more aggressive in overseeing troubled school
districts, the judge ruled, citing the Yupiit School District, one of the plaintiffs, in particular. In those schools, the court also found that students haven't had sufficient opportunity to prepare for the high school exit exam.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Press release 07-154 "Court Rules"
Jun 21, 2007
Sarah Palin:
3-year plan: $1B for early learning, vo-tech, accountability
We promised public education reform--so schools can plan ahead, and bureaucracies do not smother a school's creativity or a student's aspiration. We now take the next step in our three-year education plan--to offer every young
Alaskan--rural and urban--the opportunity to learn and work and succeed in the world.We'll fully forward-fund all our school districts with more than a billion dollars--that's more than
21% of General Fund expenditures. Education is that high a priority. We'll focus on early learning, vo-tech and workforce development, an enhanced
University, streamlined operations, we'll hold schools accountable, and we'll encourage opportunities for students with special needs.
Source: Alaska 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 22, 2009
Sean Randall Parnell:
Performance Scholarship: fund tuition for good H.S. grades
If we give every high school student the opportunity for a merit scholarship, if we challenge them to reach higher to take personal responsibility for their futures, many will. These students will transform our economy and positively change the
trajectory of Alaska's future for generations.With the Governor's Performance Scholarship proposal, all Alaskan high school students can earn tuition for an in-state university or job-training program. They must complete a more rigorous curriculum
than what's now required to graduate from high school. But for students who take this curriculum, better grades will mean greater tuition awards. If a student maintains a C+ average but completes this more rigorous curriculum, they will earn 50% of their
tuition; a B average will earn them 75% tuition and with an A average while taking this tougher curriculum, a young person will earn 100% tuition for an in-state university or job-training program. Merit scholarships work.
Source: Alaska 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 20, 2010
Sean Randall Parnell:
Digital Teaching Initiative: video conference remote schools
What more can we do to prepare these children for life after high school? First, we must recognize our students need 21st century classrooms to compete in a 21st century economy. Our Alaska Digital Teaching Initiative will give our young people access to
high-quality teachers and instruction.Today, eight districts use video conferencing to reach our more remote schools. Course instruction is delivered in real time, so students can take courses not otherwise available to them.
The Alaska Digital Teaching Initiative will empower our teachers to reach beyond their own classrooms and districts. Digital teaching can bring together students from Tanana and Ruby with Fairbanks students.
Not only will students have access to a more diverse array of classes, they will have access to a more diverse array of insights.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2014
Sean Randall Parnell:
Put school choice to the people for a Constitutional vote
Alaska's Constitution says no money shall be paid from public funds for the direct benefit of any religious or other private educational institution. The question of school choice is not about religious schools; it is about whether parents should have
the freedom to say what school best meets their child's education needs with their child's share of public money--their money. Wealthier Alaskans can always send their kids to private or religious schools, but others cannot.The US Supreme Court has
affirmed a parent's right to make these choices under what they call the "private choice test:" The education spending must have a valid secular purpose; the aid must go to parents and not the schools; the education program must be neutral with respect
to religion; and there must be adequate non-religious options.
[We should put this issue to] the people for a vote. On this question--whether parents ought to have a greater say in their child's education--it is time legislators let Alaskans decide.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2014
Tony Knowles:
Keep alternatives to evolution out of classrooms
The volatile issue of teaching creation science in public schools popped up in the Alaska governor's race this week when Republican Sarah Palin said she thinks creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the state's public classrooms.
Palin said, "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both." Democrat Tony Knowles said such alternatives to evolution should be kept out
of science classrooms.
In an interview Thursday, Palin said she meant only to say that discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms.
Knowles was asked Thursday if he believed in a creator and, if so, how
he reconciled that with evolution. A campaign spokeswoman responded, "Tony wants to stick by what he said last night -- creationism has no place in public school classrooms as an ‘alternative' to evolution."
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: Anchorage Daily News follow-u
Oct 27, 2006
Tony Knowles:
No politics in science; no creationism in schools
Q: Should public schools teach alternatives to evolution?KNOWLES: The answer is no. The reason why is we don't want politics in our science. We actually want more science in our politics. We don't want to just teach all things because it may be
politically correct. We want to teach the best science there is, and there is overwhelming evidence, there's almost incontrovertible evidence that evolution is the science that, that we know. And that's what we should always teach, to never compromise on
the principles just because it's politically popular.
PALIN: Teach both. Don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both. I say this too as the daughter of a science
teacher. Growing up with being so privileged and blessed to be given a lot of information on, on both sides of the subject--creationism & evolution. It's been a healthy foundation for me. But don't be afraid of information and let kids debate both sides.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: KAKM-7 with Michael Carey
Oct 25, 2006
Edgar Blatchford:
Greatest teacher contribution is motivating students
The greatest contribution any teacher can make in the classroom is to motivate the student to do the best. The comes from passion and dedication to the community as a whole.
There should never be a special interest in education except to do the best for student. That commitment will reflect well in how bright Anchorage's future will be in the increasingly global marketplace.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Aug 12, 2022
Pat Chesbro:
Fully support strengthening public education
Strong education helps young people become resilient in this ever-changing world and gives students the tools to think critically.
I fully support strengthening equitable educational systems and strengthening public education.
Source: 2022 Alaska Senate campaign website ChesbroForAlaska.com
Oct 7, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023