Elementary Education
For this age group, higher teacher salaries, more physical activity for the children, nutritious and well balanced meals, and reliable after school care are essential. Early intervention to prevent obesity is best accomplished at this age.
High School Education
I attended a public high school in a small farming town in northwest Missouri. In the Midwest we had robust vocational schools built into the public high schools which provided much needed training. Many of my classmates were able to graduate knowing a trade and were able to start working immediately. Classes and career pathways included agriculture, drafting, electronics, automotive, construction trades and animal science. Many states, including California, do not have vocational training. I would work to have vocational training available at all public high schools. High school can be a successful springboard to employment and having a vocation in early adulthood.
I also believe that students who would like to participate in even more challenging courses should be offered the opportunity to enroll in nearby colleges. Emphasis on science, technology engineering and math (STEM) will help our nation with the many challenges we face. Our public high schools offer an opportunity to provide individualized training for students to start a productive life with income immediately after graduation.
College Education
Like public high school education, I believe that a high-quality public college education should be free for students. This will ensure that we have the best chance at solving our nation's problems including high student debt.
Graduate Education
Because education after college involves paying tuition, it is unattainable for many. I believe graduate education should be affordable for all and would support free graduate education with a salary for research work at universities. Only 1 percent of Americans go to graduate school and their expertise is necessary to build our cities and homes and to provide health and education.