PLATFORM
Campaign 2006 Planks:
Education Reform
Education is the number priority on my agenda. Today we have kids graduating from high school without an education and without the skills they need to get a good job and contribute to Florida's economy.
The FCAT test has been promoted as a cure-all for everything that is wrong with Florida's Education System. The truth is exactly the opposite. The FCAT has failed our teacher, our students and their parents. It has failed the state of Florida a as hole I give it an "F".
My administration will be based on results. I will remove the FCAT from the system immediately. It is time to stop the practice of "teaching the test rather than providing the education our students truly need.
I am in favor of a two tiered education system that will support students' individual talents, abilities, and hopes. One tier will be designed specifically to prepare children for college. Families and children that are focused on college will attend new Florida College Preparatory Schools.
But not all children want to attend college and not all students have the aptitude for college level education. Therefore there will be a new tier in the education system that will prepare students to with the skills to get a high paying job after they graduate high school. These children should be provided with a sound fundamental education and something more. They should be trained in subjects that are attractive to employers and interesting to them.
I believe our teachers are vital to a successful education system. I'm for giving teachers more control over the classroom and the curriculum. It's essential to attract and retain more qualified teachers. That is why I intend to pay teachers' a minimum $50,00 starting salary. I will also create a system for the payment of bonuses and incentives for teachers who demonstrate above-average performance.
I am also in favor of contracting food, transportation, and maintenance services in the state's education system Florida's taxpayers will get a better deal because these services can be provided more efficiently by private industry. I also believe that private suppliers will provide quality services and food to our children.
