Mike sees the importance of practical and vocational education, which can be initiated early in a student's life, as seen in schools like Gillingham Charter School that focus on teaching life skills alongside academics.
Mike believes schools are to provide not only academic knowledge but also life skills and civic education, suggesting that educational policy, like the No Child Left Behind Act, has led schools to focus too much on standardized tests at the expense of a broader curriculum. He suggests that schools should offer a variety of programs, including free meals and vocational training, to help students become well-rounded individuals prepared for various aspects of life.
The importance of recognizing and valuing all types of skills and professions, means challenging the notion of "unskilled" labor – all labor is skilled labor. This respect for all forms of work, along with an educational system that supports diverse paths, is vital for creating a society that appreciates and cultivates various talents and abilities.
Education should not only prepare students for specific careers but also equip them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society in various ways.
Policy & Funding
Mike prefers public funding of schools that are inclusive and offer practical life skills. However, he is critical of using public funds for private, for-profit, and religious schools, arguing that these institutions often do not reinvest sufficiently in their students and pay low salaries to their teachers. He stresses that public funds should rather be used to improve under-performing public schools by providing them with adequate resources for modern education and reducing class sizes.
The issue of school funding through property taxes, is problematic due to the inequality it creates among schools in different geographic areas. He advocates for a reassessment of the funding mechanism to create a more equitable system.
In terms of policy and funding, Mike advocates for a balanced approach that doesn't disproportionately favor one type of program (like athletics or STEM) over others. This balance is crucial for ensuring that students can explore different fields and discover their passions and talents, whether they lie in the arts, sciences, sports, or vocational skills.
Retention & Development
While there are also issues with academic growth in the 123rd, there is also an issue with community retention and development. Local talent sometimes feels overlooked, which can add to the challenge of keeping bright minds in smaller or rural areas such as ours. Seeing the opening of Alvernia’s Pottsville Collegetown is a shining beacon of hope for our county, and provides hope for more access to higher education for our children.
The need to make local colleges and tech schools more desirable, not just fallback options, is especially pertinent. This is where enhancing the appeal of these institutions through diverse programming, strong community ties, and visible success stories can play a significant role. These factors might help retain young people and even attract new residents who see educational opportunities paired with quality of life as a compelling reason to move to or stay in an area.
