Mich. Ed. Roundup – May 9
Funding Equity of Chief Concern among Black and Latino Parents
In communities of color, there is an overwhelming sense of school funding inequities. Ninety percent of Black parents and nearly sixty percent of Latino parents do not think that schools in Black and Latino communities receive the same amount of funding as schools in predominantly White communities.
These results, from the second annual New Education Majority Poll by The Leadership Conference Education Fund, reveals perspectives and concerns of Black and Latino parents about the education systems that serve their children.
Other findings highlight the priority that Black and Latino parents place on rigorous academics, high-quality teachers and high expectations for their students.
Mixed Findings on Teacher Pay in Michigan
Teacher pay has continued to decline in Michigan for the fifth straight year, to an average statewide salary of $63,878. According to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, however, Michigan’s average teacher salary ranks 11th highest nationally, despite these recent declines.
In order to more accurately compare salaries across states, the Citizens Research Council also compares average teacher salary to the average per-capita personal income for each state. Using this comparison, Michigan actually places first nationally for average teacher salary, which is nearly 50 percent higher than average overall salaries in Michigan.
Despite relatively high average salaries, teachers in many Michigan school districts continue to struggle, due to large inequities in teacher salaries. As Ed Trust-Midwest has previously reported, teachers in Michigan’s wealthiest districts are paid about $11,700 more, on average, than teaches in Michigan’s poorest school districts. To recruit and retain highly effective teachers in the schools that needs them most, Michigan must close the gap in teacher pay.
Noteworthy News
Michigan’s federal school compliance plan will ‘negatively impact’ disabled students, Calley says – Brian McVicar, MLive
- Related: Is Michigan’s ESSA Plan Working to Improve Education or Politics?
- Related: Letter from Lt. Gov. Calley criticizing Michigan’s ESSA Plan
School millage results: West Bloomfield says yes, Chippewa Valley no – Lori Higgins, Detroit Free Press
- Related: May 2 election results for West Michigan – Fox 17
- Related: Complete Election Results – Northern Michigan – 9&10 News
The Class of 2017 celebrates College Decision Day – Paula Wethington, Monroe News
Help us celebrate educators for Teacher Appreciation Week – Amanda Allie, WXYZ
Capitol Update
State Board of Education meets next Tuesday, May 16, at 9:30 a.m. in the Ladislaus B. Dobrowski Board Room in the Hannah Building. Agenda: includes a presentation on the Grand Rapids Public Museum School, Top 10 in 10 and Early Literacy, as well as a discussion on the use of a dashboard in place of school accountability and the special education stakeholder survey.
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