Question

post test: realizing dreams
california is one of only four states where you need more than just a majority of voters to approve a bond issue to build new schools. not coincidentally, california ranks 49th out of 50 states in terms of classroom crowding. most of our schools are 30 years or older
proposition 26 would allow school construction bonds to pass with a majority vote instead of the current two - thirds requirement.
a majority vote is only fair. currently, every “no” vote counts twice as much as every “yes” vote
of course it’s easy to argue for proposition 26 in palo alto, where voters understand the importance of a good education. here, voters have been generous to the school system over the years, and bond measures have passed with far more than the two - thirds vote necessary
but that’s not true elsewhere in california, especially where schools fall well below national standards. we’re not saying that school spending means higher test scores, but it’s hard for students to learn in crowded, cold, or crumbling classrooms. and these students are the workforce of tomorrow we’re talking about, which is why many employers in the silicon valley are backing proposition 26
9
choose the correct answer
which statement best shows a central idea of the passage?
a. voters in america consider education an important issue
b. california needs a voucher school funding system to offset the funding problems
c. voters should pass proposition 26 because many of the state’s schools are failing
d. california needs to work towards fixing their energy problem

Explanation:

The passage focuses on California's school infrastructure issues (overcrowded, old schools) and argues that Proposition 26, which lowers the vote threshold for school construction bonds, should be passed to address these failing school conditions. Option A is too broad, Option B mentions vouchers which are not discussed, and Option D is unrelated to the school-focused passage.

Answer:

C. Voters should pass Proposition 26 because many of the state's schools are failing