League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Butte County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Elizabeth Ann "Liz" Griffin Answers Questions Candidate for Governing Board Member; Chico Unified School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Butte County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In light of existing and anticipated budget cuts in every governmental service and shrinking tax bases, what are your ideas to keep education in our district the creative and productive experience our children deserve?

Teachers have to work with children with many different abilities in a single classroom. New technologies have come into existence, such as iPads and specialized computer programs, that enable teachers to assess children's progess and allow for increased individualization of instruction. Children who have fallen behind or missed certain learning modules can be brought up to speed while others can move ahead if they've already achieved competency. The teacher can then focus on the children who need more help; thus, he/she is able to be more effective. I strongly endorse minimizing standardized testing and introducing more social studies, science instruction, art and music back into the classroom.

2. What are the key benefits and drawbacks to parents selecting schools for their children, including the relatively new phenomenon of charter schools?

A parent knows his/her child best and is best-suited to decide what form of instruction and learning environment will be effective for that child. While the majority of children do well in the current public school environment, some students may do better in either less or more structured environments, or learning environments that build specialized skill sets. I think our district is doing an excellent job educating our students, however students are coming to us now with so many different needs that it is virtually impossible, with the budget we have, to do it all and to do it well. One possible drawback of parents choosing schools is the threat of elitism: some parents might seek to insulate their child from children of other races, nationalities, or capabilities, which isn't consistent with the ideals of public instruction.

3. Charter schools are public schools supported by taxpayer dollars. How should they be held accountable to the public? Should their governing boards be required to adhere to the Brown Act?

Charter schools should absolutely be held accountable and they are in the Chico Unified School District. The Board must decide on approving charters (for which there are very limited reasons for denial) and provide ongoing oversight, both of their instsructional competence and financial operations. Boards of charters are required to follow the Brown Act.

4. There is widespread agreement –- and adopted learning standards –-affirming the role of the arts in a complete education. And yet, among schools and districts across the state, access to the arts is inconsistent or nonexistent. How should the state ensure that the arts have their rightful role in every K-12 curriculum?

Unless and until there is a reduction in the standardized testing that takes up so much of the teachers' time, the arts, music, social studies and science will continue to receive short shrift. I strongly advocate for doing away with the standardized testing that currently exists and creating another format for evaluating student progress, one that truly assesses critical thinking skills.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 26, 2012 13:27
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