Strengthening Michigan Schools
Michigan: Make Every Week Teacher Appreciation Week!
This week marks Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to honor and thank the professionals who lend their passion and skills to educating our children.
We recognize the enormous impact that teachers have on students every day, and that teaching quality is the most significant in-school factor for student success. This is why we are so committed to ensuring that Michigan adopts a research-based, statewide system of educator evaluation and support.
Governor Snyder and leaders in the Michigan House of Representatives have set aside $14.8 million to invest in our teachers, and make sure that they have the kind of quality feedback that will help them learn and grow. Now, we need our state Senate to agree to this important investment.
Now is the time for Michigan to invest in our teaching talent. Our investment in educator evaluation and support will show our appreciation and respect – much more than any shiny red apple will do!
The EdTrust-Midwest staff shows appreciation for our most impactful teachers all week using #ThankATeacher. Follow us@EdTrustMidwest and fb.com/EdTrustMidwest.
Fact Sheet: New Analysis on Michigan Charter Schools
The vast majority of charter schools in Michigan have lower student achievement than the state average. Our new analysis makes complex education data about charter performance more accessible for Michiganders and our leaders.
Gov. Snyder Outlines Plan on Detroit Schools
On Thursday, Governor Snyder announced his plan to address Detroit’s academic performance and school funding problems. His plan comes just one month after the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren outlined their proposed solutions.
The Governor’s plan would limit the current school board’s responsibilities to paying off the district’s debt, while creating a new district and appointed school board to oversee educational operations. Under the plan, the appointed board would transition to an elected board over six years.
Similar to the Coalition plan, the Governor proposed the creation of an appointed education commission to oversee a common enrollment system, and to set and measure academic standards for all schools in Detroit, including charter schools and EAA schools. Notably, the plan did not address Michigan’s lack of charter authorizer accountability and disparate performance.
Skepticism and opposition to the plan was expressed shortly following its announcement, including from Mayor Duggan. Detroit teachers also protested the plan outside of the capital building in Lansing during the announcement.
Capital Update
UPCOMING COMMITTEE HEARINGS
House Appropriations Committee on Education, Wednesday, May 6 at 10:30am in Room 426 of the State Capitol Building. The committee will hear a presentation on education in Michigan by the Executive Office of Strategic Policy.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION meets on Tuesday, May 12 at 9:30am in the Ladislaus B. Dombrowski Board Room of the Hanna Building in Lansing. The agenda is available here.
Click here for the full update.
