Governor's five-point plan proposed in 2002

The Five Point Plan

Early Start

• Set higher standards for all children
• Improve instructional materials for early childhood education
• Establish a state center for model early childhood programs
• Focus on pre-reading skills development
• Create a school readiness checklist for parents

High School Completion

• Establish statewide leadership and coordination for dropout prevention
• Identify best practices for keeping kids in school
• Promote early intervention for at-risk students
• Expand mentoring programs for students
• Improve support for guidance counselors

Teaching Excellence

• Compensate excellence in the classroom
• Expand mentoring programs for beginning teachers
• Increase professional development for all teachers
• Reimburse teachers for classroom supplies purchased for needy students
• Improve teacher recruitment and retention
• Protect teachers against frivolous lawsuits

Science

• Develop and implement training for master science teachers
• Improve the quality of science instructional materials
• Create better standards for science education
• Eliminate student performance gaps in science

Technology

• Develop on-line instructional materials
• Expand distance learning opportunities
• Increase technology allotment to schools
• Develop on-line assessment and diagnostic tools
• Utilize technology to improve school safety

... Educating Every Child