Jeb Bush:  Higher standards is key

Higher expectations lead to greater success. Former Florida Governor, Jeb Bush notes that, “[i]f we’re going to be the best country, and not just talk about it, we need to actually do the work to make it happen.  Higher standards is a key element of that…”

Over the past few year, Michigan has adopted more rigorous learning benchmarks for students in English language arts and math, based on the Common Core State Standards. According to Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, the backlash against higher standards “is based on bad information or faulty arguments… Just as Michigan is about to reap the rewards of this long planting season and gain some mileage in the journey toward higher expectations, some want to backpedal.”

Former Governor John Engler, now president of the Business Roundtable notes that, “Helping prepare our children to succeed in an increasingly fierce global marketplace is a goal we should all embrace. As America’s business leaders, we stand united in our support for the successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards.”

From the State Capital
By Jason Mancini, Director of Government Affairs

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETS TODAY at 9:30am. For meeting agendas, click here.

44 YEAR-OLD MEAP WILL BE REPLACED WITH M-STEP. According to information announced on Thursday, the new assessment will align to the Michigan Standards and use different question types that require students to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills. The 2015 assessment will transition Michigan students into a new system, expected to debut next year.

Common Core is a State-Led Effort