State Superintendent Of Public Instruction Race II
Todd Stelzel has responded to my questions on his run for superintendent of public instruction. He supports school choice and parental involvement which is good. Originally I faulted him for his response to the absitance question but he commented on my blog and clarified his position. On the Borderline also had some interaction with the candidate, after citing Stelzel as supporting toll booths on Wisconsin borders to raise education taxes. So far, I like the school choice but not the tax ideas.
Wild Wisconsin: Parental involvement and support has often been shown to be critical to the success of a child's education. How will you work to activate parents in the education of their children?
Todd Stelzel: Research does show that parental involvement and support is critical to the success of a student's education. As State Superintendent, I would encourage school leaders to strengthen the working relationship between parents and the school, since this is critical and necessary. Strong Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO's) can be an effective tool, if the school leader makes this priority number one. Recognition of parents is essential before asking them for more help.
WW:Arizona has implemented successfully a system that enables individuals to receive tax credits for contributions to organizations that give students scholarships. Would you support a similar system in our schools?
TS: Yes, I would support tax credits to individuals who contribute to organizations that give student scholarships. There are already some scholarship foundations in our local Wisconsin School Districts that can be used as a tax credit. Tax credits should also be given to those individuals who want to donate cash or equipment to a particular school program.
WW: How would you support the home schooling trend in our state?
TS: I am in favor of school choice. Home schooling is one of those choices. It is another option for parents and students. However, guidelines for home schooling need to be improved. For example, accurate records of student progress must be maintained and evidence of curriculum development demonstrated by the home school instructor, since this is what is required of the public school teacher.
WW:Would you seek to restrict the teaching of all scientific theories that contradict evolution? If so, why?
TS: I would not seek to restrict the teaching of all scientific theories that contradict evolution.
WW: Would you support abstinence based sexual education. If so, how?
TS: I do support abstinence. However, school districts must also teach students about protection. Further response...please know that I frown upon sexual activity that could lead up to intercourse, not only at home, but in our school halls as well.
In fact, children under the age of 18, who are not married, should not be having sex, and schools should not be handing out condems and diaphragms.
However, if the case involves an 18 year old female student, who is talking to a guidance counselor about the sexual intercourse she is having with another 18 year old student, and no protection is being used, then yes, I would hope that the guidance counselor recommend protection, since abstinence education failed.
Wild Wisconsin: Parental involvement and support has often been shown to be critical to the success of a child's education. How will you work to activate parents in the education of their children?
Todd Stelzel: Research does show that parental involvement and support is critical to the success of a student's education. As State Superintendent, I would encourage school leaders to strengthen the working relationship between parents and the school, since this is critical and necessary. Strong Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO's) can be an effective tool, if the school leader makes this priority number one. Recognition of parents is essential before asking them for more help.
WW:Arizona has implemented successfully a system that enables individuals to receive tax credits for contributions to organizations that give students scholarships. Would you support a similar system in our schools?
TS: Yes, I would support tax credits to individuals who contribute to organizations that give student scholarships. There are already some scholarship foundations in our local Wisconsin School Districts that can be used as a tax credit. Tax credits should also be given to those individuals who want to donate cash or equipment to a particular school program.
WW: How would you support the home schooling trend in our state?
TS: I am in favor of school choice. Home schooling is one of those choices. It is another option for parents and students. However, guidelines for home schooling need to be improved. For example, accurate records of student progress must be maintained and evidence of curriculum development demonstrated by the home school instructor, since this is what is required of the public school teacher.
WW:Would you seek to restrict the teaching of all scientific theories that contradict evolution? If so, why?
TS: I would not seek to restrict the teaching of all scientific theories that contradict evolution.
WW: Would you support abstinence based sexual education. If so, how?
TS: I do support abstinence. However, school districts must also teach students about protection. Further response...please know that I frown upon sexual activity that could lead up to intercourse, not only at home, but in our school halls as well.
In fact, children under the age of 18, who are not married, should not be having sex, and schools should not be handing out condems and diaphragms.
However, if the case involves an 18 year old female student, who is talking to a guidance counselor about the sexual intercourse she is having with another 18 year old student, and no protection is being used, then yes, I would hope that the guidance counselor recommend protection, since abstinence education failed.
posted by Lucas @ 3:04 PM
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