We asked all candidates to fill out a survey and our group has chosen to endorse, recommend or not recommend based on their answers. Here are Patricia Bradford’s responses that shows that she is a great representative for our teachers, students and parents!
How do you define SEL strategies and what do you believe it does in the classroom?
My understanding is that SEL stands for Social and Emotional Learning. Social and emotional regulation are vital skills for students and for life and I can see their benefit in the classroom. Like any other curriculum in schools, the SEL programs need to be well designed and implemented but I consider the goals positive. My first grader comes home and talks about learning about emotions and how to handle them and I think it’s great.
What importance do you attribute to PE and health and how do feel about the cuts made to these subject areas in the past?
Physical health is an important part of a well-rounded life and physical education and health classes both belong in public schools.
What ideas have you formulated that will increase public school funding to keep up with growth, fully compensate teachers for their expertise and commitment to teaching, ensure they have the classroom resources they need to be effective educators, and making teacher retention a priority?
I would like to see education prioritized over tax cuts when the state sees a budget surplus. For teacher retention, salaries are only part of the problem. We also need to show them the respect they deserve and not micro-manage them from the state level.
How do you define CRT and do you believe it is currently being taught in Utah public schools?
Critical Race Theory is an academic theory debated in graduate schools and law schools and is not being discussed in public schools. CRT has become shorthand for anything involving race that some parents and groups disagree with.
What vetting process do you support when a parent objects to a book in their child’s school? What actions do you believe school districts should take or not take?
Banning books is a dangerous precedent. There are books (e.g. erotica romance novels) that don’t belong in school libraries, but literature and history are messy, and that is part of why it is so important to read them. Instead of banning books, I would rather see a process for parents to request an alternate assigned book for their specific student. That way, a few parents don’t negatively impact every students’ education.
Considering legislation that has been proposed in the last 10 years, how would you vote on voucher/school choice bills?
I do not support voucher programs. I disagree that creating competition benefits public schools and I do believe that removing funding hurts them.
What are your views on the Summit program or programs like it being implemented in our schools?
I’m not familiar with it.
What ways can we support diversity in our curriculum so that all students see themselves as culturally relevant?
Representation matters. Intentionally doing social studies units about different cultures is important, but so is having picture books in K-3 classrooms with characters from varied backgrounds. If a science class is talking about the contributions of specific scientists, they should include both men and women, as well as varied racial and ethnic backgrounds when possible.
What have you personally done to support teachers/public education?
I volunteer in my children’s classrooms and at large PTA run school events.
How will you show your commitment to public education outside of your role as an elected official?
I am a parent with three children in the public education system and so most of what I do involves volunteering and supporting our local schools and district.