Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

First of all, I absolutely believe it is a State responsibility to fund education. I believe many groups need to be accountable for education in Wyoming. However, as a person who is a firm believer in limited governmental intervention, I believe that a State created system of accountability will not provide the outcomes we are looking for. The Legislature needs to be a part of the solution for greater accountability, but not the driver. This should be done by educators and parents, not bureaucrats. And the public needs to be heavily involved. The accountability measures that must be developed must be easily applied, straightforward, and effective. Most accountability measures used around the country have tended to be a reward and punishment system, similar to the policies of the No Child Left Behind Act, which created many unintended consequences. The Legislature needs to understand that accountability cannot simply be legislated. I believe that the educators in our State, along with parents, and a concerned public, all have a true desire to see our children succeed. Accountability policies need to be developed by these groups. Then, the Legislature can and should act as an enabler for effective education accountability in Wyoming.

The education of our youth and our workforce is crucial to our State's successful growth. I am an advocate of the Common Core State Standards that Wyoming has adopted. They provide the needed benchmarks for our students, teachers and families to understand what is required at each grade level. High standards are necessary to ensure that all students have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and future careers. Additionally, they ensure all students are well prepared to collaborate and compete with their peers in other states and abroad.

Training of our workforce is equally critical. The State needs to support business and industry by providing resources to effect a well-educated and trained workforce. The State can continue to provide programs through the Department of Workforce Services to encourage Wyoming citizens to seek training for jobs that an expanding and diverse economy will require.

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