The Scales For Our Students

T.I.P.

An Independents plAn for educAtIon

By Angus King
OctOBer 2012

T I P

Summary
EACHER TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION
- Support teacher preparation research to identify best practices in teacher education - Support a plan to recruit the best teachers - Revise and improve current teacher evaluation and development

T.I.P. The Scales

TRULY LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD FOR SCHOOLS BY ENSURING FUNDING IS EQUITABLE, PROGRAMS ARE FLEXIBLE, AND THAT STATES AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR PROMISES Adequate funding is the overarching driver of policy. Without sufficient funding, policy initiatives are shallow promises that lack substance and commitment. Creative use of existing funds is essential given our national fiscal crisis. I believe the reauthorization of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), will allow for an opportunity to repurpose and reformulate current funds to T.I.P. The Scales in favor of all children. The federal government has a role in education, but one that differs significantly from its current role. My education plan is designed to truly level the playing field for schools by ensuring funding is equitable, programs are flexible and state based, and that the federal government is held accountable for promises. When the federal government does not create a fair education funding policy, the burden is assumed by the states and local school districts, which results in local tax increases. We must: - Create a balanced grant program for local innovation while continuing some competitive grant funding - Increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Create a funding formula that accounts for the unique struggles of rural schools I am running for the U.S. Senate because we need a new approach to education, and I will approach education with an eye towards the future - as an Independent, a businessman, and a former governor who understands the appropriate role government should play in public education. As former South Carolina Governor and Secretary of Education Richard Riley put it: Education is a national priority, a state responsibility, and a local function.

ELEVATE THE TEACHING PROFESSION

NNOVATION: DIGITAL LEARNING

PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THE WORKPLACE BY PROVIDING THE PROPER TOOLS

- Support students digital literacy by developing opportunities to repurpose and prioritize existing funding towards digital learning - Support the E-rate program to enable true high-speed Internet connectivity to all schools and libraries in rural and urban areas alike - Train and support teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms

ARENT EDUCATOR PARTNERSHIPS

IMPROVE SCHOOLS BY SUPPORTING PARENT INVOLVEMENT
- Identify school systems that have designed effective forms of school-to-home and home-to-school communications and engagement, and assure that the information is shared nationwide - Support integration of technology at home so parents can improve digital literacy to benefit their childrens education and their own personal development - Train and support teachers and administrators on best practices for encouraging parent involvement - Evaluate effectiveness of programs based on student success

INTRODUCTION
According to the US Department of Labor, there are 3.8 million jobs available in the US right now and over 12 million people are unemployed. Why arent companies filling those open jobs? 55% of businesses say its because there are no qualified candidates. Quite simply, our education system is not preparing our students for workplace success. As Governor, I supported the adoption of the Maine Learning Results in 1997, making Maine one of the first states to define standards for student performance. I also launched the Maine Learning Technology Initiative to provide laptops for every public middle-school student and their teachers in the state of Maine, a first of its kind in the nation and the largest 1:1 deployment at that time in the world. I believe the federal government took a wrong turn in 2001 with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and subsequent attempts to improve NCLB have also fallen short for our schools. Though the law was created with the best of intentions, its implementation has resulted in sanctions on schools and educators. Its an illconceived design that over time inaccurately identifies most of Americas schools as failing, a narrowing of curriculum in order to hit test-score targets and it leaves rural schools behind. Unfortunately, the waivers and competitive grant funding used as a band-aid approach to fix the law are just adding to NCLBs burden instead of relieving it. Recently the Department of Education announced $400 million of competitive grants through the Race to the Top legislation. These funds are supposed to spur innovation and reforms in state and local district K-12 education- but only 900 thats 6% of the nations school districts applied for these grants. In Maine, only 2 out of 124 school districts applied. That doesnt mean of course that only 6% of school districts need innovation and reform in their schools. It means that only 900 out of 13,809 schools in this country have the resources to devote to completing the complex competitive federal grant process. Thats not fair to students in small and rural schools. If federal money is directed only to those states and school districts that are capable of applying for waivers or competitive grants, the federal government isnt just picking winners and losers; they are creating losers and a very small number of winners. The federal government unfortunately has a history of not following through on its promises. In 1975, the federal government promised to pay 40% of the extra cost of educating children with disabilities but its commitment has peaked only at 17%. In 2001, NCLB required schools to meet much higher standards without providing adequate financial assistance. Just as we teach our students to be accountable for their actions and meet their responsibilities, I believe we need to do the same with our federal government. Not only is this lack of commitment unacceptable, it is unfair to our schools, and our communities. When the federal government does not fulfill its promise, education funding is assumed by the states and local school districts, which results in local tax increases. I believe a better use of federal education money is to fund innovation and reforms improving standards and school effectiveness across all of Americas school districts. So how can we find a way to create a more equitable education funding system when the country is in the midst of a fiscal crisis? I believe that the reauthorization of the (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) ESEA provides a unique opportunity to dramatically repurpose and reformulate education funding. If elected, my education plan will support a more effective use of existing education dollars to fulfill our commitments. It will create a more efficient use of money by encouraging matching grants for schools and school districts to work together. And finally, it will accommodate small and rural schools by offering additional resources to rural districts in the form of funding, staff, or services to assess a schools unique needs. Education is the key to our future the jobs, the strength of our communities and the well-being of the next generation all depend upon vibrant, engaging, and challenging schools. Making this happen is primarily the task of our states and localities, but the federal government can help- not with the heavy hand of regulation and mandates from Washington, but with support for innovation and sharing of ideas that work and consistent funding of commitments already made. This is an urgent task; the 21st century will not wait for our kids. By elevating teachers, supporting kids, and engaging parents we can reach out and shape the future itself. I am running for the U.S. Senate because I want to bring this kind of Independent thinking to federal education policy.

EACHER TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION

ELEVATE THE TEACHING PROFESSION BY PROVIDING SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning. Its a simple idea, which we must promote. The importance of having strong, engaging, inspiring teachers in our schools cannot be overstated. Yet it is rarely discussed. We are taking our teachers for granted and it shows. Teacher job satisfaction is at its lowest level in over 20 years, dropping 15% since 2009. The percentage of teachers who say they are very or fairly likely to leave the profession has increased 12% since 2009, from 17% to 29%. It is clear we are not doing enough to support our teachers. A new investment in teachers will take time and effort to develop and implement. I believe those who are entrusted with the job of inspiring our future scientists, artists, economists, community leaders, lawyers, inventors, engineers, doctors, and teachers deserve nothing less. If elected, I will support amending the ESEA to create a state centered education planning process to: - Support Research and Development to identify best practices in teacher education - Create a recruitment program for top performing students to be teachers just as colleges recruit top student athletes. - Support inclusion of Teacher of the Year and Miliken Educator Award winners and finalists in student-teaching efforts to ensure our teachers are inspired - Empower teachers to expand their skills by creating a virtual clearing house of best teaching practices and best practitioners, so educators across the country can access a lesson plan or teaching practice that they could apply in their own classroom - Support Research and Development to identify best practices in teacher education - Educate and train school administrators on best practices for supporting their staff

The Maine Education Association endorsed Angus King for Senator, because as educators we feel he will work hard in Washington to fight for education. Its no secret the Maine Education Association hasnt always agreed with Anguss policies. Which is why standing here today telling you he is the right choice for Maine means so much more. Lois Kilby-Chesley MEA President

Without the MLTI laptops and Vital Signs, Im not sure we could do the real science we are doing now.

Pat Parent Middle School Teacher & Parent of Laptop Recipient

We are here to set the record straight regarding Angus Kings unwavering support for education. Few, if any, Maine elected officials have been the kind of champion for education and children that Angus was during his years as Governor. Duke Albanese Former Commissioner of Education

In my opinion, Governor King should be known as the Education Governor. He made wise investments in the states future through his insightful education policies. In a rapidly changing world, Governor King recognized that adopting new K-12 education standards would be essential to the future of our students and the state of Maine. These efforts were supported by the state legislature.
Marjorie Murray Medd Maine State Board of Education

NNOVATION: DIGITAL LEARNING

PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THE WORKPLACE BY PROVIDING THE PROPER TOOLS

Every day, we hear how manufacturing, research, communication and other everyday occurrences are changing due to advances in technology. Yet, we rarely hear about changes in the classroom. Scores of young students across Maine and America are being left behind due to a lack of technology. Technology can be a game changer for individuals and for families; without digital access and digital literacy, the American Dream is now out of reach. Digital literacy is more than just knowing how to turn a computer on. It is the ability to use technology to access, evaluate, use and create information for learning or for commerce with people around the world. At one point in time, textbooks were considered the gold standard for learning. However, we cannot expect to solve tomorrows problems with yesterdays tools. It is time to upgrade our classrooms and redefine our education tools. If elected, I will support amending the ESEA to repurpose existing federal funding to create incentives for innovation at all levels and sizes of schools to: - Increase students digital literacy by reprioritizing some existing education dollars to create matching grants for schools and incentives for business partners who want to increase access to digital learning - Champion the E-Rate program which provides funding to schools and libraries for internet access, as Senator Snowe has done - Train and support teachers to integrate technology into their classroom - Foster awareness for principals, superintendents, and boards of education about the importance of digital learning in their schools

I am a V.I.P. - a visually impaired person. In 7th grade my work load changed and we were doing tasks that I normally would have had a hard time keeping up with all the other students, but one thing changed that. That was the laptop program put into place by Angus King. I was able to adjust things so I was able to do the same things others where doing at the same time with out beng singled out for being different.
Dani Lorraine Student

PARENT-EDUCATOR PARTNERSHIPS AND RETENTION

IMPROVE SCHOOLS BY SUPPORTING PARENT INVOLVEMENT

(Continued)

There are countless studies that prove, and common sense would agree, that when schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more. In fact, 86% of the general public believes that support from parents is the most important way to improve schools. Teachers, students and parents working as a team would complete the learning community by encompassing home and school, making learning a powerful force in our society. Unfortunately, parent involvement at schools is low especially as children get older. Studies have shown that this is not because parents do not want to be involved, but because they dont know how to be involved. Some are unfamiliar with the system or confused by school jargon or education policies discussed in the news, while other parents cannot find the time because they must address more pressing issues like housing, jobs or childcare. Finally, some parents may not trust schools because of their own experiences as students. In this unique situation, we need innovative solutions. Incentives to minimize barriers will offer parents an easier path to be involved in their childrens education. It would be important for incentives to match the perceived barriers and be appropriate for schools. For example, if parents are not attending school meetings because they dont have childcare for their other children, provide childcare and dinner at school so parents can attend a meeting. To encourage more books around the house and parent involvement, offer gift cards at a local bookstore if a parent completes a questionnaire. Or if parents volunteer in a classroom, offer gas cards to ease the burden of cost for transportation.

If elected, I will support amending the ESEA to create a five year funded pilot program in at least 10 states to design and develop Parent-Educator Partnerships to: - Identify school systems that have designed effective forms of schoolto-home and home-to-school communications about school programs and childrens progress, and assure that the information is shared nationwide - Integrate use of technology at home so parents have the opportunity to be engaged in their childrens learning and to improve their own digital literacy for the benefit of their childrens education as well as their own personal development - Train and support teachers and school administrators on best practices for encouraging and directing parent involvement. - Evaluate effectiveness of programs on student success and determine opportunity for additional implementation

As the President of the Maine Education Association and as an elementary school teacher, I can stand here and tell you, Angus King cares about Maines students and teachers . . . If we are going to improve student achievement, we need to move forward and elect a candidate who has a clear vision for our students future. Angus King is that person. Students need Angus in Washington. Teachers need Angus in Washington. Angus King has a history of doing the right thing for both and thats why he is the right choice to represent Maine in the United States Senate.
Lois Kilby-Chesley MEA President

www.Angus2012.com
Angus King for U.S. Senate 135 Maine Street, PO Box 368 Brunswick, ME