Honest School Information Central for Educational Improvement

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (Jan. 23, 2018) – Tonight, in his final State of the State address, Governor Rick Snyder spoke about the great need to focus on educational transformation in Michigan in order to ensure a brighter future for the state’s students and communities. This includes providing parents with honest information about local school quality.

The following statement may be attributed to Amber Arellano, executive director of The Education Trust-Midwest:

“Michigan students are just as bright and capable as students across the country. They all deserve an exceptional public education that provides access to opportunity for every child, regardless of race, disability status or family income. Because we know that when given the tools and opportunity, every child can succeed.

“The important work of making Michigan a top ten education state begins with being honest about school performance. We support Governor Snyder’s commitment to single school letter grades that would make much more accessible the quality of local schools to parents and other stakeholders. In the coming months, we hope policymakers will achieve this significant goal.

“In some important ways, Michigan has taken critical first steps toward educational improvement in recent years by insisting on high expectations for teaching and learning; measuring progress; and investing in raising third-grade reading levels.  Those are just first steps, however.  The work of making Michigan a top ten education state requires a commitment extending long beyond Governor Snyder’s term in office. We look forward to working tirelessly with policymakers, community leaders, parents and students to build upon our progress and set Michigan on the path toward educational transformation.”