Debate Number Two Tonight

My opponent and I will meet again tonight in the Lakeland Public Television debate in their studios in Brainerd. Once again, I believe you will see that the big difference between my opponent and I is how we think. He wants to spend another $2.5-Billion a year on education without changing the way we teach our most important resource, the next generation. The system is roughly 60 years old and we, too many graduates aren't ready for college, many of them aren't ready to fuction in society. I met with the Brainerd School Board Legislative Committee this morning. One department head suggested that the school year may have to be longer and classes may have to be tougher. Perhaps the key word in that last sentence is 'may'.

Minnesota education has to be more rigorous, more grounded in math and science, turn out better graduates. Another department head reported some are saying 70% of college freshmen need remedial courses! About 30% of recent high school graduates at CLC have to take remedial courses to get ready. And the graduation rate statewide continues to slip. A longer school year might be a good beginning. And merit pay for teachers. And longer school days. And entrusting only top college graduates with our most precious resource.

And my opponent wants more money for essentially the same system with not even a suggestion of improvement.

Check out tonight's debate. If you miss it, Lakeland said it will rebroadcast so check your listings for times and dates.

The difference between my opponent and I is that I want a better education system and he wants the same one only more expensive.