Mark Warner on Education

	Mark Warner on Education Democratic Jr Senator; previously Governor

Limit student loan payments based on income

Q: Support payment subsidies or forgiveness on student loans?

Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored bill to limit payments based on income and forgive debts after 20 or 30 years of payments.

Daniel Gade: No. Forgiveness is an "immoral transfer of risk from poor people to already privileged people." No position found on payments.

Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race , Sep 30, 2020

No Child Left Behind Act isn't working

Q: What is the federal government's role in education?

Warner: The federal role in public education should be to provide the right incentives for underperforming schools and to work with states and localities to make sure we have an educated and competitive workforce. While I agree with the goals of No Child Left Behind, I think the policy has been poorly implemented. As governor, I was proud that we made the largest investment in public education in Virginia history. Over the course of my administration, the percentage of fully accredited public schools increased from 40 percent to 92 percent. Virginia students posted the highest math SAT score increase in the nation, and Virginia was recognized as a leader in areas ranging from high school reform to school efficiency.

Gilmore: I do not believe the "No Child Left Behind Act" is working and I believe we need to return those responsibilities to the states.

Source: 2008 VA Senate debate reported in The Virginian-Pilot , Oct 17, 2008

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: Washington Post on 2008 VA Senate debate , 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

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

Recruiting & Retaining the Best Teachers
Promoting Parental & Community Involvement
Preparing Students for Successful Futures
Promote early childhood education.
Promote Family Literacy.
Emphasize reading.
Promote good use of educational technology.
Expand career & technical education.
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

Pro-transgender bathrooms, according to CC survey.

Warner opposes the Christian Coalition survey question on transgender bathrooms

The Christian Coalition inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Prohibiting Public Schools from Allowing Boys to Use Girls' Bathrooms; and Vice Versa?' Self-description by Christian Coalition of America: "These guides help give voters a clear understanding of where candidates stand on important pro-family issues" for all Senate and Presidential candidates.

Source: CC Survey 20CC-3 on Sep 10, 2020

Click here for definitions & background information on Education. Click here for VoteMatch responses by Mark Warner. Click here for AmericansElect.org quiz by Mark Warner. Click here for MyOcracy.org quiz by Mark Warner. Click here for a Wikipedia profile of Mark Warner. Click here for a Ballotpedia profile of Mark Warner.
*Other candidates on Education:*	*Mark Warner on other issues:*
*Former Presidents/Veeps:* George W. Bush (R,2001-2009) V.P.Dick Cheney Bill Clinton (D,1993-2001) V.P.Al Gore George Bush Sr. (R,1989-1993) Ronald Reagan (R,1981-1989) Jimmy Carter (D,1977-1981) Gerald Ford (R,1974-1977) Richard Nixon (R,1969-1974) Lyndon Johnson (D,1963-1969) John F. Kennedy (D,1961-1963) Dwight Eisenhower (R,1953-1961) Harry_S_TrumanHarry S Truman(D,1945-1953) *Religious Leaders:* New Testament Old Testament Pope Francis *Political Thinkers:* Noam Chomsky Milton Friedman Arianna Huffington Rush Limbaugh Tea Party Ayn Rand Secy.Robert Reich Joe Scarborough Gov.Jesse Ventura	Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families/Children Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Infrastructure/Technology Jobs Principles/Values Social Security Tax Reform War/Iraq/Mideast Welfare/Poverty

Page last updated: Oct 27, 2021