Question 2 – What do you think the goal set for 2014 and the law No Child Left Behind for every child to be Proficient or Advanced?

‘No Child Left Behind’ is certainly not a perfect piece of legislation. I appreciate some of the ideas behind it but I don’t think it included the appropriate framework for the goals that it set, making those goals unattainable.  The proficiency goals set out in the law were particularly unrealistic and unattainable. 

I certainly understand and agree with the idea that all children should be expected to achieve a standard level of knowledge in the classroom, but I fear that the current demands for everyone to reach proficiency can lead to a harmful focus on test scores rather than providing a solid education.  Teachers everywhere discuss the pressure to “teach to the test.”  I think we should instead be focused on making sure that all children are on the path to be successful in college or in their chosen career, and that we are teaching not just reading and math, but other subjects, as well. 


Question 3 – (Switching gears) How is education important to you?


As a young person, I was extremely fortunate to have a family that valued education. I got a great education through Missouri’s public schools and at the University of Missouri. I want to make sure that all children are able to receive the great education that I did. 

With the rise of technology, Missouri’s children are not only competing with children in neighboring communities for opportunities, but also with smart, talented children throughout the world. Making sure our kids get a good education is not only important for their life-long success, but for the success of our economy and our country.

Question 4 – As a senator what is your advice to students to be successful in school?

My parents always taught me and I tried to teach my children that success is never handed to you. Putting in the effort to work hard now will serve you well in school and throughout your life.  Always wake up in the morning striving and hoping to make a difference—in your family, your school or your community.

Question 5 – Has education changed since you were a student?

The technology and resources available to students today are far beyond anything that we had when I was in school. I remember using the card catalog at our school library to find the books I needed. Today the entire contents of the library, and much more, are available at students’ fingertips through in the internet.

Question 6 – Do you have any closing remarks?

I recently completed a series of roundtables to discuss this and many other issues that affect our public education system.  I visited 15 communities across the state, both large and small, to hear from teachers, school administrators, parents, and students like yourself about the changes they’d like to see made to No Child Left Behind.  Many of the issues that you addressed in your questions were discussed during my tour. 

The biggest lesson that I will take away from my tour was the respect and admiration that myself, school administrators, and parents all feel for teachers. In the last few months, we have heard a lot of negative, disrespectful comments about teachers, that they somehow choose the profession because it pays well or is easy.  This talk has been upsetting and very disappointing, because nothing can be further from the truth. We should always acknowledge their hard work and sacrifice by treating them with respect and deference.
I would also like to say that I really enjoyed taking part in this interview.  You asked good questions, and it says a lot about you that you are concerned about these issues at such a young age.  I wish you and your classmates all the best in the future.