Shirley Brandman

Office Sought: Montgomery County Board of Education, At Large
Age: 43
Residence: Bethesda.
Education: MA, special education, learning disabilities, American University; BA, JD, Yale College.
Occupation: Special education teacher; lawyer, child abuse/neglect cases; founder, Child Advocacy Clinic, Cornell Law School.
Web site: http://www.brandman4boe.org
E-mail address: shirley@brandman4boe.org

Elected offices/civic activities:

Vice president, educational issues, Montgomery County Council of PTAs; commissioner, Montgomery County Commission for Children and Youth; member, MCPS Middle School Reform Steering Committee; president, Burning Tree Elementary School PTA, co-sponsored sis

Why should voters elect you?

"I will devote my skills as a teacher, attorney for children and PTA leader to promote each child's success and to encourage greater community involvement."

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

"There are many urgent issues, but middle school reform must be a priority. We have made dramatic gains through focused reading initiatives in elementary schools. A stronger, content-rich middle school curriculum is the essential next step. Highly qualified teachers need time for engaging instruction not dictated by test preparation. Students need smaller class sizes to support differentiated learning. They also need after-school activities alongside academics. Research shows that students at risk of dropping out can be identified by sixth grade. They must be re-engaged in middle school; by ninth grade, it may be too late."

-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.

Back to the Race: Montgomery County Board of Education, At Large