Craig has been endorsed by Education, including the National Education Association, and the North Carolina Association of Educators.
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Where do I stand on Education?
- I have been endorsed by the National Education Association
- I have been endorsed by the North Carolina Association of Educators
- These endorsements are an honor for me and I am humbled
- I have the deepest respect for Our Teachers
- I have put four children, with one to go, through the Public School System. And, they are fine, well adjusted, intelligent and compassionate adults now
- We grow as education goes
Furthermore:
- Children are our most precious gift and we must protect and guide them
- No Child Left Behind was put together incorrectly with shortsightedness and little funding. Typical Government. It actually would separate children more so, leaving the Bush Administration to 'pick' the Poll Numbers of Parts of the Program which would give favorable review of his No Child Left Behind Program. While, the whole time Leaving More Children behind. Little funding runs out soon and the State has to pick up the funding. Then, that will run out and the Counties have to pick up the funding. It then comes back to local taxpayers if they want the program to continue. Bush and his administration has once again, diverted responsibility to end up in the laps of the American Taxpayer, because, we all know that we will do all things for our children, when it comes to education. Don't make promises of good ideas, without the funding, and that's what Bush did. Making the first test result, the definitive score, even if the child re-tests is unfair. If the child scores higher, the first grade stands is not good incentive to a learning child. There are few parts that hold a bit of credibility; but, so much puts pressure on our teachers, and they can only do so much.
- Privatization is a choice for families, and taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for other's benefits. Contributions must run Private Schools. Vouchers are in the same category. Dollars for Public Schools must stay for use in Public Schools. It's a trust we put in the State and Our Teachers to educate with the utmost ability and confidence.
- Teachers must be back and supported by parents. Parents will see this statement, or, hear it and say, Right, I will and do; but, when something involves 'their child', the rules somehow change. I feel responsibility should be place back to the parents more. How about a 'School Arbitration Board' at each school, agreed to by PTO prior to each school year, that handles disciplinary cases that arise. Parents and Teachers agree to abide by decision of panel of maybe 5 Teachers.
- Let's have contracts signed by parents each year, outlining responsibility of student to school. If contract is broken or constant misconduct persists, a suspension is imposed. A week behind in school is rough to make up and the parent would have to get more involved with their child. It takes some pressure off teachers and the School System and places altering a child's behavior back in the home, where it should be.
- If classes are to remain at current size, Teacher Assistants must be utilized, and paid with help awarded for those who want to pursue teaching credentials. Teachers have lives to lead too, and they have problems and stress, and cannot be expected to be surrogate parents and 'raise' our children.
- Violence from students will not be tolerated. There is a joint response and support needed by teachers who literally become frightened by obnoxious behavior. Teachers must be protected from disrespect. They must never 'teach' under 'fearful' conditions.
- Latest test scores, showed that our high schoolers are not prepared for college learning. Test have been too easy, allowing them to pass with high numbers; impressive, but, not up to college curriculum standards. This sets up frustration and a high drop-out number from College.
- As far as college, Erskine Bowles at UNC put a 'cap' lately on tuitions over four years. It's a good move and an incentive. There are so many things to do, and the ideas should and must come from Parents and Teachers who know their children the best. Food source must change. We are the seventeenth fattest state, and 61% of that is in Eastern North Carolina. We must become healthy. We have all kinds of ideas. It's time to get out and 'do it'.