Education

Today's students will face competition in a global marketplace their parents never imagined. It is why I passionately believe we must equip them with the tools they will need to face this global challenge.

If we are to give our children the gift of a solid foundation of learning, we must demand excellence in the classroom. The President's demand for accountability and standards through the No Child Left Behind program is paying dividends. We have seen promising results in the lower levels and it should be expanded to include high school.

But excellence does not stop and start in the classroom. Parents must shoulder some of the burden of accountability and work as partners with their children's teachers. Understanding what is expected and providing continuity.

We should also create a level playing field for parents who decide a home school environment is the right choice for their children.

I also believe the federal government must tread lightly when it comes to dictating how local school systems operate. In that spirit, I believe we must be very cautious not to impose un-funded mandates.