Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Education is the foundation upon which our community thrives. In Hawai`i, only 64 percent of our students graduate from high school ("Diplomas Count," The Graduation Project 2006). We can do a lot better.

I know that having a good teacher is one of the most important factors in a student's success. While I was chair of the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future - Hawai`i Policy Group, we successfully passed legislation that included providing financial assistance to teachers seeking national certification so that Hawaii's keiki are taught by the best and brightest teachers. In Congress, I will continue my work to ensure that there is a qualified, caring, and competent teacher in every classroom.

I believe in public education and in life long learning - P to L (pre-school to life). Numerous studies show that a quality pre-school education prepares a student for educational success. As Lt. Governor of Hawai`i, I led the creation of the Pre-Plus program, obtaining $5 million from the legislature to build preschool facilities on elementary school campuses around the state (12 pre-schools so far). One of my top priorities in Congress will be increased funding for preschool programs.

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