Investing in Strategies that Work
Targeted Investments in Strategies that Work
Over the past decade, Michigan has fallen behind in key student performance measures, as other states have made tremendous progress. Recent achievement results from around the country, however, provide many lessons on the policies and targeted investments that work.
The most significant in-school factor for raising student achievement is providing students with high-quality instruction. Investing in a research-based statewide system of educator evaluation and supports, and training evaluators to provide high-quality, professional feedback is key to improving instruction and student outcomes.
In a state with some of the most devastating achievement gaps in the nation, providing additional support for at-risk students is critical to closing achievement gaps and ensuring that every student – regardless of background – has the tools and opportunity to succeed.
Michigan is just one of six states to have posted learning losses in overall student performance in fourth grade reading, since 2003. With third grade being such a critical point – where students transition from learning to read to reading to learn – Michigan’s focus on early identification and support for struggling readers is long overdue, and an investment in early literacy will pay tremendous dividends for our students and future.
Finalists Named in State Superintendent Search
The Michigan Board of Education narrowed their search for a new superintendent down to the following three candidates in a round of interviews last week:
- Vickie Markavitch, superintendent of Oakland Schools
- Scott Menzel, superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District
- Brian Whiston, superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools.
The candidates will be interviewed again tomorrow (March 18) by the Board in a public meeting, beginning at 9:30am on the Fourth Floor of the Hannah Building at 608 West Allegan in Lansing. The meeting will also be streamed live.
Taking Lessons from Tennessee
From the Capital
EXECUTIVE ORDER REMOVES SCHOOL TURNAROUND OFFICE FROM MDE
On Thursday, Governor Rick Snyder signed Executive Order 2015-9, moving the School Reform Office from the Michigan Department of Education to the Department of Technology Management and Budget.
The move comes as the independently elected State Board of Education enters a final round of interviews for the state superintendent of public instruction – a position being vacated by retiring superintendent, Mike Flanagan. It also comes just weeks before a coalition of stakeholders issues recommendations to the Governor on how to improve education in Detroit.
Currently, the DTMB is responsible for collecting and reporting data on public schools. During the administration of Governor John Engler, annual testing was moved from the Department of Education to a predecessor agency of DTMB.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
HOUSE SCHOOL AID APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 17 at 10:30am – Capitol Building, Room 426
Agenda: STEM Educational Programs
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Tuesday, March 17 at Noon – Farnum Building, Room 110
Agenda: SENATE BILL (SB) 169 (Proos) and SB 170 (Pavlov) regarding a high school diploma endorsement in STEM.
SENATE SCHOOL AID APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 18 at 8:30am – 3rd Floor, Capitol Building, Senate Appropriations Committee Room
Agenda: Discussion on Technology Readiness and Infrastructure Grants
HOUSE EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 18 at 10:30am – Capitol Building, Room 426
Agenda: Public Testimony on Executive Budget Recommendation for FY 2015-16 and House Fiscal Agency Decision Document
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