CER Questionnaire

Candidate Survey 2002

1) What are your three priorities that, in a perfect world, you would accomplish during your tenure in office. How will you go about achieving them? Why are these the most important priorities?

2) In order of priority, what should policymakers be most concerned about in schools?

_____Curriculum standards _____Facilities
_____Class size _____Teacher quality
_____Accountability _____Sports

3) Do you believe more money is necessary to make improvements in failing schools? Please elaborate.

4) What role do parents play in the education process? How much control do you believe parents should have over which programs or schools their child is enrolled in?

5) What is your position on charter schools? Do you feel they are a viable option for improving achievement and accountability?

6) Strong charter school laws, like Indiana’s, currently allow entities other than local school boards to approve charter schools. Do you support this policy? 
_____Yes _____No
Please explain your answer.

7) What is your position on annual testing in grades 3 through 8?
_____In favor of testing _____Against mandatory testing

8) The United States Supreme Court affirmed the right of parents in Cleveland, Ohio to make choices for their children – even among private schools. Would you support a similar program for children in your state?

9) The U.S. Department of Education recently identified over 8,000 schools that are failing in this country. What policy would you support to help a child who is assigned to a failing school, especially since there is limited space available in traditional schools?

10) If you could dictate one area where you would spend Bill Gates’ money for education reform, what would it be?

This questionnaire was prepared as a free public service by The Center for Education Reform. The Center grants permission to copy and distribute this questionnaire for noncommercial use. The Center for Education Reform is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For more information contact CER at 202-822-9000.

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QUESTION AUTHORITY: 

• Where do the teachers unions stand? Here are a handful of questions to help you find out what the teachers unions are saying and doing -- or not -- about education and school improvement.
• Do you know what your PTA does -- or doesn't do? CER has assemble ten questions to help concerned citizens determine where the National PTA stands on critical education reform issues, and whether PTA leaders are doing what they say and saying what they mean. 
• What's your school board up to? At the next local school board meeting, take the opportunity to ask your school board members where they stand on high-stakes testing, charter schools, private contracting, full school choice, and more...

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The Center for Education Reform is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization founded in 1993 to provide support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For further information, please call (202) 822-9000.

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