auburn pta voters guide '08

8/14/2019 Auburn PTA Voters Guide '08.

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Auburn PTAVoters Guide '08This Voters Guide provides Candidate perspectiveson WSPTA's top Legislative Priorities. It shares Candidateviews on our Priorities with both PTA members and the general public.

WSPTA's top Priorities for the 2009 Legislative Session, as passed by our LegislativeAssembly are:

Basic Education Funding Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and Education Washington State Assessment System Improvements The State Board of Education's Core 24 Framework Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation

Find more about WSPTA's perspective on these Issues at our 2008 Issues Guide,www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdf (pages 5, 8, 14, 12, and 10) .

We asked Candidates to share their views on our top Priorities and on K-12 education in general.

Candidates who didn't submit their statement after three requests are represented by a "no statement submitted" in the Voters Guide. We invited Candidates in the 30 th, 31 st, and 47 th districts to submitstatements on Oct 12 th with an Oct 16 th deadline.

Candidates statements for Auburn Legislative Districts follow.Click here to find your Distric t

47 th District (Kent, North Auburn) mapRepresentatives:

Position 1: Geoff Simpson Mark HargrovePosition 2: Pat Sullivan Timothy Miller

31st District (South Auburn, Enumclaw, North Pierce) map

Representatives:Position 1: Ron Weigelt Dan RoachPosition 2: Christopher Hurst Sharon Hanek

30 th District (Federal Way, South East Auburn) map Representatives:

Position 1: Michael Thompson Mark MilosciaPosition 2: Carol Gregory Skip Priest

Candidates' Invitations
http://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdfhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspxhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdfhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspxhttp://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30


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47 th District for Representative Position 1 : Geoff Simpson

Every child in our state deserves a great education that adequately preparesthem to face tomorrows challenges. In fact, our constitution says publiceducation is the paramount duty of the state. As a father of three school-aged children, I intimately understand the desire to see our children receivethe best education possible. That is why I have worked hard to make sureour schools have the resources necessary to allow our children to succeed.

We all know that teacher quality is one of the most important elements indetermining whether students will succeed. Therefore, it is critical that we

put policies in place that allow us to attract and retain the best and the brightest to teach our children. At minimum, this means providing teachers with wages that arecompetitive with what they would earn in private industry. It also requires giving them access tohigh quality professional development, so that they can continually improve their teaching skills.

We must ensure that we have in place a culture that gives our children the best opportunity tosucceed. That is why I support policies that encourage small class sizes, early childhoodeducation and programs designed to support individualized learning. Strongly linked to this is theneed for an assessment system that is diagnostic in nature and provides timely results so thatdeficiencies can be addressed quickly and effectively.

It is our job to make sure that every child is prepared for life after high school, whether theychoose to pursue further education or enter the workforce. That is why I support strong academicstandards, especially in the foundational subjects of math, science, reading and writing and havefought hard to provide more money to our schools for vocational education. Students shouldleave our public schools with a solid foundation of knowledge that they can build upon the rest

of their lives.As a committed public servant, and as a father, the health of our educational system is veryimportant to me. That is why I look forward to continuing to fight for strong public educationduring the next legislative session. Together, we can ensure that every child in Washington Statereceives the high quality education that they deserve.

Rep. Geoff Simpson

Website: www.votesimpson.com
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.votesimpson.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.votesimpson.com/


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47 th District for Representative Position 1 : Mark Hargrove Basic Education Funding

Although we currently spend $11,500 per student per year, at Auburn High School thisyear, because a few math books needed to be replaced, the department could not affordenough calculators for their classrooms. I fully support efforts to get more of that money tothe school districts and schools themselves where they can best decide how it is spent. Iexpect that additional funding will be possible by acting on audits of our needlessly

bureaucratic education system which will yield similar savings to those already found inother areas of our government.

Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and Education

I have an engineering degree from the Air Force Academy and taught high school level math at the Air Force Academy Prep School. My wife and daughter both teach high school math at Auburn HighSchool. I fully appreciate the importance of math and science education. But, when seven states wereoffered millions of dollars for improving advanced math and science education, our state was the onlyone to decline the offer because of the monetary rewards for additional work or excellence. Our

priorities are way out of whack.

Washington State Assessment System Improvements

Teachers, parents and students have all expressed their frustrations to me that weeks of the school year are spent teaching how to pass the WASL. And once the test is taken and graded, how do we know if our students are getting the best results possible, if we have no other results from other states withwhich to compare? I am open to discussing alternatives, but it may be that we need to switch to a

proven, standardized test.

The State Board of Education's Core 24 Framework

The pain of repeating a class may be far better than going to the next course without understanding the previous one. The same concept is true of high school graduation. I am convinced that in the long run,students and our country will be better off if we insist on high standards for graduation. Collegesshould once again be able to trust that a student who has a high school diploma really is ready for college.

Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation

While a certain amount of a teachers motivation comes from his desire to teach, simple supply anddemand economics requires that our teacher pay structure have the flexibility to attract, motivate andretain the variety of teachers needed in our schools.

www.hargroveforhouse.com
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.hargroveforhouse.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.hargroveforhouse.com/


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47 th District for Representative Position 2 Pat Sullivan

Basic Education Funding. This simply must be the top priority for the2009 Legislature. We cannot expect our students and teachers to do morewithout giving them the resources necessary to do the job. At the sametime, we need to develop a better system of accountability to ensure that our

new investments are making a difference. We also need to make schoolfunding more transparent and understandable. As a member of the JointBasic Education Funding Task Force, I look forward to making meaningfulrecommendations to the Legislature and then working to make sure thoserecommendations are enacted into law.

Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and Education. Our math and science testscores clearly show that we are struggling with math and science education. While we havemade some advances in the past few years by improving our state standards and requiring OSPIto determine which curriculum is best aligned with those new standards, there is much morework to be done. First and foremost, we must attract talented new math and science teachers intothe profession to meet the current demand. We must also continue to address the curriculumissue by providing tools to districts to ensure that they have materials fully aligned to our standards. Lastly, we must improve professional development and give our teachers the timenecessary to collaborate and plan their coursework.

Washington State Assessment System Improvements. As a member of the WASL review task force, I look forward to making common sense recommendations on improving our existingassessment system. We were successful last session in shortening the elementary and middleschool WASLs and moving to end-ofcourse assessments in math. I believe we also need tofocus more attention on classroom based assessments and diagnostic tools that will provideuseful tools to our students, teachers, and parents. The state also must provide the resourcesnecessary to ensure that districts and schools are able to integrate these new tools into their

assessment systems.The State Board of Educations Core 24 Framework. In order for our students to compete for

jobs in the global economy they must have the skills necessary to be successful. The Core 24framework will move our education system forward and ensure that our students are ready tomove on to whatever their goals are after high school a four-year university, vocationaleducation opportunities, apprenticeships, or moving directly into the workforce. Core 24 willonly be successful, however, if we make necessary investments in our K-12 system so that everystudent has the opportunities that will help them succeed.

Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation. First, we need to increase the base level payfor new teachers. We need to attract the best and the brightest into the teaching profession.

Next, we need to provide opportunities for veteran teachers to mentor those that are entering thesystem and pay them to do so. We also need to recognize and reward school buildings that aredoing a great job and recognize regional cost differences for teachers that are teaching in highcost areas.

www.votepatsullivan.com
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.votepatsullivan.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.votepatsullivan.com/


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47 th District for Representative Position 2 Timothy Miller

Basic Education Funding:

The primary function of our state government is to fund education. Thisrepresents 38% of our annual budget. It is essential that education remains a

priority and is funded properly. It is important that the funds are effectivelymanaged and are distributed in a way that will best impact the students dailyinstructional environment and learning. We must cut wasteful spending andredirect those dollars to fund programs that contribute to a total well roundededucational experience for our children.

Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and Education:

Technology is a vital part of our daily lives and our children must be ready to face the challengesahead. Science and Math are an important curricular component to this, and must continue to be at theforefront of our educational system. We need to look to new and innovative ways to adapt thesecurriculums to address these modern challenges, including increasing the availability of advancedtechnological tools, and creating a connection between math and science skills to the careers of tomorrow.

Washington State Assessment System Improvements:

We must develop a fair and comprehensive way of holding our students and teachers accountable to ahigh and consistent standard of learning. The way we assess this must be fair and just. The currentWASL testing system is not the answer. It takes too much time from classroom instruction and forcesteachers and districts to teach to a test rather than focusing on the education of students. With the co-operation and input of both parents and teachers we can create a more effective way of measuringimportant educational benchmarks.

The State Board of Education's Core 24 Framework:

The main function of our educational system is to prepare our students to become contributingmembers of society. Core 24 will guide our high school students to think about future goals andchallenge them to focus on their high school education in obtaining these goals. Currently students caneasily complete 20 credits by their junior year. Raising the credit requirements to 24 will have littleeffect on the budget as this number of credits is already being offered to students. Students would beheld to a higher standard and will not have the option of failing classes and still expect to graduate infour years.

Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation:

Teachers are on the frontline of our educational programs and play the most important role on our

students education. We must entice highly qualified professionals into this field, and a competitiverewarding compensation is essential to this. Increased wages need to go hand in hand with increasedstandards. Reviews need to be put in place with parent, district, community, administrative, and teacher co-operation. Where teachers are not progressing and not rendering the quality of service desired theyneed to be directed to a different occupation. The state could pay extra compensation for teachers thatgain specialized certification in key areas of need or reimburse costs of the extra training teachers musttake to gain such specialized certifications.

www.millerforchange.com
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.millerforchange.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=47http://www.millerforchange.com/


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31st District (Auburn, Enumclaw, North Pierce) map

IRS non-profit organization regulations prevent us from submitting only onecandidate's statement in a two-candidate race.

Only one of these two candidates submitted a statement. We regret that we aretherefore unable to present the other candidate's statement.

3 1st

District for Representative Position 1 : Ron Weigelt

www.weigelt4rep.org

3 1 st District for Representative Position 1 : Dan Roach

www.dan-roach.com

Auburn Council of PTAs is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.weigelt4rep.org/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.dan-roach.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.weigelt4rep.org/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.dan-roach.com/


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31 st District for Representative Position 2 : Christopher HurstAs a member of the House of Representatives, I sponsored and voted for theconstitutional amendment that repealed the super majority vote requirementfor school levies, which was always one of my top priorities. Actions

speak louder than words. When the time came, I voted yes! Education hasalways been one of my top priorities and I have the record in Olympia to prove it, over and over again. Our investment in public schools is aninvestment in the future of everyone.

Unlike my opponent who sent her kids to private religious schools, I proudly sent my kids to public schools. I also understand the principle of the separation of church and state when it comes to education. My opponent, although she joined several PTAs,is actually listed as a Point Person for the radical extremist organization called the PositiveChristian Agenda. Their leader ran the Ashcroft for President Campaign here some years agoand was state director of Social Conservatives for Bush-Cheney. This group's agenda has

nothing to do with supporting public education in any shape or form. When talking to education people or ordinary folks, my opponent always lists her affiliations to public school organizationslike the PTA. But when giving a speech to the Gig Harbor Republican Womens Club onAugust 18, 2004, she said, We need to break the complacency and trust in public education.She also described public school books and classes as dangerous.

I dont think public education is dangerous. That is the biggest difference in this race betweenmy opponent and me.

I fully support the PTAs position paper on the definition of Basic Education Funding believe thatwe need a separate education budget with a dedicated funding source, so there is no confusion

with the operating budget. That is how we get the public at large to support proper funding for basic education. I voted to strengthen math and science curriculum in this last session.We will continue to refine this process when the legislature meets in January and I agree that thismatter is urgent. I fully support properly evaluating a teachers skill and experience and payingthem accordingly. Finally, I support the CORE 24 framework concept and believe that one sizedoes not fit all.

See more of my positions or background at www.christopherhurst.org .
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.christopherhurst.org/http://www.christopherhurst.org/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.christopherhurst.org/


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31 st District for Representative Position 2 : Sharon Hanek

I commend the Washington State PTA for being at the forefront of strengthening Math and Science when they co-sponsored the mathsymposium at the University of Washington in April 2006. This was the

beginning of improving math in our State. The PTAs commitment has been instrumental in moving toward positive solutions. I have spentmuch time in Olympia over the past five years testifying and workingwith various legislators on education issues. Auburn has not felt the

pressures that some other districts have because Auburn has made better choices in their textbooks and methods of teaching.

Over the past years of watching legislation in Olympia I observed a trend of increasing one-size-fits-all controls over local school districts along with unfunded mandates. I want to preserve theability of local schools to make decisions that best fit their students. Two recent bills that were

passed could result in having every school in the state choose one of three state recommended

books each for math and health. There is concern that these choices will not align with the goalsof Auburn School District and may limit the financial ability of the district to provide alternativeopportunities.

Expanding basic education funding and graduation requirements to be 24 core classes are positive concepts but both could also result in less moneys being directed to educating childrenin basic reading, writing, math and science content skills. Some schools are concerned thatmandating the teaching of non-academic classes may have the unintended consequence of decreasing money for academic classes and decreasing the time available for students to expandtheir horizons on electives. Decisions should be carefully made.

I also have numerous concerns over the current Washington Assessment of Student Learning.The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation study has rated Washington State standards with an F inMath and English. (pg 115 State of the State Standards www.edexcellence.net/doc/State of State Standards2006FINAL.pdf )

I was one of two parents who testified to try to save the norm-referenced ITBS and will continueto strive towards a better system of assessments. Each test has a different purpose and the schooldistricts should have adequate funding to purchase the best fit for their students, teachers, and

parents.

I look forward to working with the Auburn PTA and local families to bring forth a high qualityeducation system that fits both our students and the community.

Sharon Hanek Candidate for House of Representatives Distr. 31 Pos. 2PO Box 8055; Bonney Lake, WA [email protected]
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.edexcellence.net/doc/State%20of%20State%20Standards2006FINAL.pdfhttp://www.sharonhanek.com/mailto:[email protected]://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=31http://www.edexcellence.net/doc/State%20of%20State%20Standards2006FINAL.pdfhttp://www.sharonhanek.com/mailto:[email protected]


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30 th District for Representative Position 1: Michael Thompson

I have always held the belief that funding for the sake of funding is never theanswer. The best approach has always been to find and create the solutions andthen fully fund the overall project with those solutions in place. That being said,

we need to look at all 5 topics as symptoms of a larger problem. To address this Ihave put together a plan that will address the problems we have in the systemtoday.

The first thing we need to do is bring control of our educational system back tothe local level. Who knows best what your child needs, the politician in DC or you? The answer to that question tells you that we need to hold control as close to the parental level as

possible. By getting the federal government out of our schools, we can put in place the best system for assuring the highest level of academic achievement for our children, while addressing all of their needs.

We need to put in place International Baccalaureate standards as the graduation requirement. This willraise the level of education to international levels and better prepare our children for their future. Thecore principles in this system carry through the entire educational system with an emphasis on math,science, history, technology, humanities, physical education, arts and languages.

To fully fund schools, the state needs to open the voucher system and attach the needed money to eachchild. This will fund each school based on enrollment, with attendance as the control mechanism for final payment. Once the voucher system is in place and used correctly, the state needs to open the door to charter schools and home schooling as viable alternatives to public schools. At this point we allow

parents to decide which school best addresses their childs needs and give them the ability to enrolltheir child in the school that best educates him/her. This could be a choice between different public

schools, charter schools or even home schooling.

By opening this competitive environment, schools will open addressing the needs of handicapped andspecial needs children. It will also raise the level of education, lower the dropout rate, and movetoward a 100% graduation rate. Funding is addressed through the voucher system and then it is up toeach school/district to administer that money to pay the expenses in all areas.

Michael Thompson206-219-9078

www.ElectMichaelThompson.com
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://www.electmichaelthompson.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://www.electmichaelthompson.com/


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30 th District for Representative Position 1: Mark Miloscia

Basic Education Funding: We need to fully fund education and clearly and regularly update thedefinition of funding and build the political will to develop sustainable

funding sources. This will cost billions and we will not solve this unless mustfind ways to reduce the high growth for government services for the elderlyand families, for healthcare, and for the criminal justice system.

Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and Education I fully support the PTA statement.

. Washington State Assessment System Improvements

While I agree with the PTA statement, it doesnt go far enough and will not affect much changeunless we have a quality performance system that reacts correctly to the assessment results.Schools, administrators, stakeholders must integrate quality management principles (Baldrige

Assessments, Lean Six Sigma, etc) into all aspects of their management planning, executing,assessment, and improvement systems. We need to implement the Baldrige Criteria.

The State Board of Education's Core 24 Framework While I agree with the goal to prepare (all) students for meaningful work and/or college thisis a pipedream unless we address the increasing percentage of low wage, no benefits jobs being

produced in our state. Even in good times, wages are dropping for 60% of all workers. Withoutgood living wage jobs, we are condemning our graduating children to poverty.

Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation I fully support the PTA statement.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30


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30 th District for Representative Position 2: Carol Gregory

Commitment to EducationIm proud to have worked at so many levels of our education system. I have

worked with students as a teacher, with parents as director of the Highline Schoolscommunity engagement program, with state policy-makers for State Superintendent

Judith Billings, and with teachers as the President of the Washington EducationAssociation. I am committed to education. The investments we make in our education system now will have a profound impact on our countrys future.

Basic Education FundingWe have an inequitable school funding system and the legislature has failed to fully fund basic

education. The Federal Way Schools project a $12 million shortage next year. Statewide, we are $800million-$2 billion short. My opponent voted against the education budget for the past four years, andhis recent proposal fails to address the core issue: solving our funding crisis. I will be a staunchadvocate for a long-term solution to education funding in Olympia.

Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and EducationWe have to prepare our kids to compete in the global economy, and were falling behind in math and

science. I will support implementing the States recent improvements to the math and sciencecurriculum. I also believe that attracting excellent teachers will make a significant difference not onlyin math and science but in every subject. I cant see why my opponent voted against more training for teachers and increased pay for those certified in math and science.

Washington State Assessment System ImprovementsWhen Im talking to voters at the door, I hear about the WASL more than any other education issue. I

can see why. I support reforming the WASL so that the test is diagnostic and results are timely in order to help students improve. If we use the WASL as a public accountability test, then the results should

be accessible to parents and comparable to national standards.

The State Board of Educations Core 24 Framework I support high standards, including the Core 24 framework. Implementing this program is contingent

upon full and sustainable funding for basic education and these increased requirements.

Rational Approaches to Teacher CompensationThe most critical component in student learning is quality teaching. That requires qualified teachers

in the classroom. I would support a compensation package that makes teacher salaries comparable toother professions with similar education experience.

www.FriendsOfCarolGregory.com - 206.409.1274
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://www.friendsofcarolgregory.com/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://www.friendsofcarolgregory.com/


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30 th District for Representative Position 2 : Skip Priest

Basic Education Funding. The current basic education funding formula lackstransparency and is unnecessarily complex. Often, legislative fundinginitiatives penalize rather than provide necessary support to school districts

like Federal Way and Auburn. As a Basic Education Finance Task Forcemember, I believe we are long overdue in providing a comprehensive,systemic approach to amply and uniformly funding our public schools.Recently, Rep. Hunter and I presented a draft proposal to the WSPTALegislative Assembly designed to achieve this goal. Co-authored byRepresentatives Sullivan, Jarrett, and Anderson and Senator Tom, it representsa bi-partisan effort to ensure that every child in our state has the opportunity to succeed in the 21stCentury. Our presentation, as well as the proposal itself, can be found at our website--www.whatittakesforkids.com.

Strengthening Math and Science and Curriculum and Education. The evidence is clear that more needsto be done in the area of math and science standards and curriculum. Local school districts needflexibility when deciding with parents on appropriate curriculum for their students. However, I

believe that the state should provide additional financial incentives to districts to purchaserecommended curriculum to help promote accountability. In addition, the state should help meetteacher shortages in these critical areas by creating innovative compensation tools such as loanforgiveness that will help attract new teachers to hard-to-staff fields.

Support Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation. Our proposal builds a new compensationsystem that rewards teachers for improving their skills and ensures that salaries are competitive inthe labor market. In addition, it addresses other critical issues such as "grandfathering" inequitiesand regional cost of living adjustments.

Support State Board of Education CORE 24 Framework. I support the State Board's Core 24approach to graduation requirements. As a career and technical education champion, I applaud theState Board's recognition of the importance of quality CTE programs. To be successful, the statewill necessarily have to fund seven periods, ensure that teacher shortages in math and science areaddressed and provide additional help to districts with high poverty and ELL challenges.

Washington State Assessment System Improvements. Last session, the legislature passed a billintroduced by Representative Sullivan and myself (ESHB 3166) that shortened and simplifiedearly grade testing and replaced the 10th grade math WASL with algebra and geometry end of course tests. These were important steps for improving the system. However, more work needs to

be done, particularly in the area of special education, to make the system work for kids, parents andteachers. As a member of the WASL task force I will continue to work with the WSPTA and other interested groups to see these improvements occur.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=30


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Auburn PTA Voters Guide '08 - Candidates' Invitation _

We asked Legislative Candidates to share their perspectives on PTA's top five priorities,with the following email. We followed up with a confirming phone call and emailsinsuring that they received their invitation to participate:

Dear {Legislative Candidate},

On October third, 240 delegates from around the state chose five top priorities for PTA member actionaround the '09 Legislative session.

Many of Auburn PTA Council's 1,200 members will likely vote in the upcoming election. Many arequite concerned with education issues. With 14,500 students in the Auburn School District alone,there is good reason for them to be concerned.

With five days remaining before ballots are mailed, we would like to share your perspectives oneducation with your Auburn and Pierce County PTA constituents. Between now and Monday the 20 th,we will assemble a 'Voters Guide' , with you and your opponent's views on the following '09 WSPTAPriority Issues:

Basic Education Funding

Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and Education

Washington State Assessment System Improvements

The State Board of Education's Core 24 Framework

Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation

You can find more of WSPTA's views on these five Issues at our 2008 Issue Guide,

www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdf (pages 5, 8, 14, 12, and 10) .These are our perspectives, but we're more interested in your views on these issues. We very muchhope that you will address these topics directly in our 25 th District Voters Guide.

Our timeline : Wednesday (Oct 15 th ): Email Candidate Questionnaires

Thursday: Phone candidates' campaign offices, confirming delivery, and asking them to participatein the Voters Guide

Sunday midnight: Deadline for candidate responses

Monday (17 th ): Assemble responses into your 25 th District Auburn PTA Voters Guides.

Tuesday and following: Distribute Voters Guides as broadly as possible to Auburn and PierceCounty PTA members, local media, and members of the general public.

We've only room for one page of response each, about 400 words. We'll format it to fit, but many more wordsthan 400 will require printing it in a smaller font. Please feel free to include links to your website.

We very much look forward to you and your campaign's participation in our 2008 Auburn PTA Voters Guide.Best of luck in the election, and the 2009 Legislative Session.

Auburn Council of PTAs is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization
http://bs1/F/PTA%20Voters%20Guide%20'08%20-%20Candidates'%20Invitation..htmhttp://bs1/F/PTA%20Voters%20Guide%20'08%20-%20Candidates'%20Invitation..htmhttp://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdfhttp://bs1/F/PTA%20Voters%20Guide%20'08%20-%20Candidates'%20Invitation..htmhttp://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdf

auburn pta voters guide '08

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