Gianforte wants an education system where “every child can reach their full potential”

Greg Gianforte’s Learn2Earn Education plan seeks to put science in every high school, promote trades education, and inform students about the value of their degree choice.

1.    Computer Science in every high school. Gianforte will work with local school boards and the Office of Public Instruction to promote and implement plans to increase access to computer science education in Montana.

2.    Renewed Emphasis on Trades Education. We need carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, cooks and machinists.  These are good paying, noble jobs that allow hard working Montanans to prosper.  Gianforte believes we should put more emphasis on trades education, particularly in our high schools and two year colleges. We also need to encourage more partnerships between the private sector and educators.

3.    Strong Public Schools. Local Control. More Parental Say. There are currently too many mandates and regulations coming down from Washington, D.C. and Helena. Teachers are increasingly overburdened by bureaucracy and, consequently, not enough money gets to the classroom. We don’t need Washington D.C. bureaucrats running our schools.

4.    Connecting Education and Jobs. We have the data.  Let’s help high school students and parents make better decisions about what to study. Gianforte is promoting a simple web site to high school guidance counselors, parents and students about the outcomes of their choices.  I have named it www.Learn2EarnMT.com.  You can try an early prototype.   It is very simple. And effective.

No Vision, Just Vetoes; Bullock Fails to Lead on Education

Excellence in Education National highlighted Bullocks failure to lead nationally in education: “This powerful educational choice reform would have allowed parents of students with special needs to customize their child’s education and make decisions on best meeting the learning needs of their children. Had Governor Bullock signed the bill, Montana would have become a national leader in school choice and the fifth state in the nation to adopt Education Savings Accounts.”

BACKGROUND

Bullock demonstrated a lack of vision, vetoing a bill that would have created Educational Savings Accounts for children with disabilities.  “Montana Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed HB 322 last week. The bill, which would have created an education savings account (ESA) program for students with special needs, journeyed a path filled with fits and starts.” (Michael Chartier, “Montana Governor Vetoes ESA for Students with Special Needs,” Freedom Foundation, 5/12/15)

Bullock vetoed a bill in 2013 that would give tax credits to donors wishing to provide scholarships for private schools.