Letter: Democrats pushing technical education, too

Saturday, March 24, 2007 | 7:02 a.m.

I want to clarify an impression that may have been left by recent articles in this newspaper that Democrats in the Legislature support full-day kindergarten, while Republicans are pushing for more career and technical education.

Our comprehensive Democratic agenda for education does indeed include full-day kindergarten in all schools, but it also includes additional funding for career and technical education and more accountability for career and technical programs. We are also proposing a resolution urging K-12 and higher education to provide dual credits for career and technical education courses.

Last session, Assembly Democrats sponsored and pushed legislation to add $2 million in funding for career and technical education, as well as legislation establishing an interim subcommittee to work with teachers, students, parents and the business community to develop the best possible career and technical education programs for our state. It was my honor to head that interim subcommittee. I am continuing to work with educators and the business community on further strengthening our career and technical education opportunities.

When it comes to full-day kindergarten and career and technical education, we do not believe it has to be an either/or decision; we believe both are critical. In fact, our education agenda strives to meet the needs of every student in Nevada with increased teacher pay and pay for performance, high school reform, career and technical education, and full-day kindergarten.

Bonnie Parnell, Carson City