Bill Ritter on Education

Democrat

Cut the high school drop-out rate in half in a decade

About 30 percent of Colorado high school students don’t graduate. Less than half of the black, Latino and American Indian students who start high school in Colorado actually finish. Our goal: cut the drop-out rate in half within 10 years. The achievement gap separating poor and minority students from more affluent and white students is about 30 percentage points on the CSAP tests. I also want to keep the emerging technology gap from widening so we don’t leave poor and rural kids behind. Source: 2004 State of the State Address , Jan 11, 2007

Invest more in our education system, and demand more

As Governor, I plan to invest more in - and demand more from - our education system. Education must be the state’s No. 1 priority. It will be my top priority as GovernorFor too long, the conversation about education reform has involved accusation and punishment. My administration will stand for opportunity and encouragement for all learners. It is time we refocus our energy on:

Fostering high-quality educators and inspiring a new generation of teachers.

Establish ‘Principals Institute.’

Support Pay for Performance.

Improve Teacher Recruitment.

Create a Low-Interest Home Loan for Teachers.

Create a Governor’s Award of Education Excellence for New Teachers.

Making Sure Children Arrive at School Ready to Learn

Expand Early Childhood Education Programs.

Create a Statewide Child Care Report Card.

Encourage Collaboration.

Getting parents more involved.

Improving higher education while also keeping it affordable. Source: Campaign website, www.ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues” , Nov 7, 2006

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Page last updated: Nov 21, 2011