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| We've always counted on Virginia Beach Public Schools. Investment in education is a commitment to preserving the future for our children and grandchildren. In Virginia Beach, we like to say we're "Ahead of the Curve." I like to think that we aren't just ahead of the curve, but that we will "Define the Curve" - not only are we beyond a standard, but that we set the standard. |
| We need to define the curve in three key areas - |
| Focus on Learning - Our children need more than memorization and minimum standards. Good enough is no longer good enough. Students need problem-solving proficiency as well as a base of knowledge. "One-size-fits-all" leaves too many children behind. Only a student-centered classroom flexible enough to teach the whole child can develop the methods of learning children must master to succeed. |
| Focus on Safety - All it takes is one incident to turn triumph to tragedy. Today's world requires preparation,
planning, and diligence to make sure every moment of our children's' school experience is a safe one. I favor a plan called the "Triple A of Safety" - Aware, Alert, Action Aware - train teachers, parents and students to recognize warning signs that a child may be involved in gang or drug activity. Alert - Insist upon methods of communications that can be used to report any of these signs to someone who can help. Action - Design a plan of action to anticipate and solve these problems before they become tragic ones. |
| Focus on the Classroom - Of the 109 Virginia cities and counties, Virginia Beach ranks 71st in real funding reaching the classroom, behind most other cities in South Hampton Roads. That's less money for instructional use, teacher salaries, and more money for overhead. I've offered a 65% solution, which we should set a goal that 65% of education funding be spent on classroom instruction based on measurable, predictable goals. That change itself would vault us from 71st to among the leaders in Virginia school systems. |