Mich. Ed. Roundup – October 10
Oct 10, 2017
MI Voters Support Greater Improvement in State’s Schools
Michigan voters strongly support greater improvement in the state’s schools, according to a survey conducted by Business Leaders for Michigan. Results of the survey were released Sept. 28.
Despite their strong support for improvement, it seems that the voters surveyed do not have an accurate view of the true state of education in Michigan.
“Nearly 65 percent approve of the job being done by their local schools and a majority think Michigan schools perform at a level similar to schools in other states,” according to Doug Rothwell, BLM’s president and CEO. “Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be widespread public awareness that Michigan student performance lags that of other states resulting in three-fourths of our students graduating high school unprepared to enter the workforce or to continue their educations.”
For example, Michigan ranks 41st nationally in 4th grade reading and 42nd nationally in 4th grade math, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Survey results also show broad bipartisan support – 77.5 percent – for providing every Michigan public school with an A–F grade on their ability to educate their students. Yet in its most recent education plan, Michigan eliminates public rankings and accountability for student performance.
Noteworthy News
- Detroit schools count 48,511 students on Wednesday, above budget projections – Lori Higgins, Detroit Free Press
Capital Update
State Board of Education will meets today, at 9:30 a.m. at Kent Intermediate School District in Grand Rapids. The agenda is available here.
House and Senate School Aid Appropriations Subcommittees meet tomorrow, October 11, at 8am in rooms 402/403 of the State Capitol Building. Agenda: Quarterly reports on deficit districts.
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