NEA-Alaska Federal Candidate Questionnaire 

Candidate: Theresa Nangle Obermeyer

Office: U.S.. Senator

Elementary & Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind

The Elementary & Secondary Education Act, known as No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB), has not worked well for Alaska’s schools and children.

1. What amendments will you make to ESEA/NCLB to make the law work for Alaska’s schools and children?

Alaska needs exemptions from most of NCLB. I oppose testing for its own sake, requiring credentials without funding, labeling schools, transferring students, and basically competition where there should be collegiality.

2. What level of federal funding would you support to help schools meet the requirements for ESEA/NCLB?

Enacted federal laws must be funded fully or they are a mockery. In our wealthiest state teacher salaries have declined in the last decade. My election will assure teacher respect.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

1. Will you support full funding for IDEA? (Full funding is defined as funding at the 40% of mandated costs level that was promised when the IDEA was first adopted by Congress in the 1970’s)

Yes

Explain: I support Hagel-Harking amendment (S. 939) to senate IDEA Reauthorization Bill (S. 1248) that provides full funding in eight years. We can afford to pay for pulic education of the diabled.

2. Do you believe that students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) should be held to the same academic standards as students who are not identified as special education students?

No

Explain: Every child is special. Gifted children have IEPs. Children with learning disabilities cnnot be held to the same standards as normal children. Testing is on a collision course with inclusion.

OTHER FEDERAL ISSUES

1. To what extent do you believe the federal government should be able to control education policies in Alaska?

Federal government sould have no involvement in Alaska education policies. States rights require Alaska school boards' lcoal control even though there are term limits and recalls of these "grassroots politicians."

2. If you are elected to the U.S. (Senate/House) will you support bills or resolutions that provide public funds to private or religious schools?

No

Explain: I do not support public money going to private education which is what the "voucher" advocates espouse. This hurts and weakens both institutions. Charter schools create options in public education.

3. Will you support elimination of the Government Pension Offset/Windfall Elimination Provisions (GPO/WEP) of the Social Security law?

Yes

Explain: I support Missouri Legislature SCR 25 calling for U.S. Congress to fully repeal GPO/WEP and NEA-opposed Social Security offsets unfairly penalizing hundreds of thousands of public and school employees.

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