Tony Bryk, of the Univ. of Chicago. Overview his research on how schools can improve.

http://www.epi.org/blog/lessons-chicago-takes-cake-disadvantaged/

Update on EAA legislation

From Steve Norton of Michigan Parents for Schools:
Neither the Senate nor House Education committees acted on the EAA bills (HB 6004/SB 1358) in their meetings today. Negotiations to find changes that will attract a majority are ongoing, but a number of Republican legislators are really digging their heels in on this one, despite great pressure from their leadership. The $64K question now is if the bills will continue to sit in committee or be discharged straight to the floor. In either case, by the time a vote takes place, the die will be cast. (They won't bring it to a public vote unless they know they have the votes.) This is why keeping the pressure on now is so important.

What's critical right now is that those legislators who are resisting the huge pressure to vote for some kind of EAA bill get our thanks. Republican members have been told that they should never bother defending public schools because the "education people" will never give them credit or thanks.

Strong, community governed public schools don't have to be a partisan issue - they didn't use to be. Even if you disagree with your legislator on other issues, when they do the right thing on education you should let them know that you noticed it and appreciate it. (Likewise, when they don't do right by our schools, you should let them know that you saw that, too, and will remember.) That goes for members of either party. This kind of stuff matters more than you might expect.

MPTA sends a letter to the President

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/11/michigan_coalition_in_letter_t.html

Bills would turn Michigan into "super choice" state

 Only the choices aren't so super . . .

http://bridgemi.com/2012/11/bills-would-turn-michigan-into-super-choice-state/

Dr. Markovitch's Video

This is well worth the 13 minutes of viewing time to get a good overview of the issues surrounding HB 6004, as well as the other "reform" bills pending in the Michigan House and Senate.  The statistics at the end of the video are startling and enlightening.


http://www.schooltube.com/video/83edb442197a46939bc9/NEEDED:%20A%20Million%20Michigan%20Voices%20for%20Public%20Education

Excellent letter from the Michigan PTA

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2012/11/30/michigan-coalition-opposes-race-to-top-finalist-in-letter-to-obama-duncan/

This is from the superintendent of the Bloomfield Hills School District

It's really not just the hysterical folks on the EGR Legislative Committee. 

http://www.bloomfield.org/news/item/index.aspx?pageaction=ViewSinglePublic&LinkID=215&ModuleID=167&NEWSPID=1

Our tax dollars hard at work

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/28/online-schools-ads-public-/1732193/

Please consider signing this petition

  . . . in addition to sending your own letter or making a call to Reps. Lyons and MacGregor and to Gov. Snyder

http://capwiz.com/miparentsforschools/issues/alert/?alertid=62182501

If it's such a good idea, why are they sneaking it in during thanksgiving?

http://www.freep.com/article/20121120/OPINION01/121120056/Editorial-Rush-to-school-reform-in-Legislature-likely-to-get-it-wrong?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Sample letter to Gov. Snyder

Governor Rick Snyder
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Phone: (517) 373-3400
Email: Click Here

Dear Governor Snyder:

We need to reinvest in our schools throughout the state and provide each and every student with a world-class education.  I believe your Oxford Foundation recommended proposal does exactly the opposite.  The proposed overhaul of Michigan’s school aid funding is a deeply flawed plan that would end community-run public education in Michigan by enacting nearly the same voucher system that Michigan voters overwhelmingly rejected in 2000.  It would create fiscal uncertainty for every single school in the state.  Call it what you like; “funding follows the child” is a voucher.  It does not matter that you limit the funding to public schools, because you have redefined “public schools” to include all manner of privately run, even for-profit, enterprises. 

 

Your plan will be disastrous to public education.   As a parent of two public school children, I am outraged and dismayed by this sledgehammer approach to public education and urge you to reject all of the Oxford Foundation’s recommendations.  We can address the issues of failing schools without failing our schools, our communities, or our children.  But this is most certainly not the way.

Very sincerely yours,

Summary of Oxford foundation recommendations

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121120/SCHOOLS/211200317/Michigan-schools-overhaul-faces-fight

Let's make sure Michigan joins the other states that rejected phony "reforms"

http://www.salon.com/2012/11/13/phony_school_reform_agenda_takes_a_beating/

seriously, please write to your representative, senator, and the governor

http://www.freep.com/article/20121118/NEWS15/311180296/Education-funding-proposal-allows-school-choice-more-online-learning

No surprise

http://chestertontribune.com/Indiana%20News/teachers_colleges_see_drop_in_ap.htm

It's pretty bad. We really have to act quickly.

http://dianeravitch.net/2012/11/18/michigan-is-on-its-way-to-ending-public-education/

In case you missed it . . .

http://www.mlive.com/opinion/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/11/letter_writer_mega_school_choi.html

What's Finland's secret?

Fantastic article about why this focus on competition and constant testing is so wrong-headed.

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/12/what-americans-keep-ignoring-about-finlands-school-success/250564/#.Ty7SHQfxMk4.facebook

This editorial sums up the problem with MEAPs

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121019/OPINION01/210190328

Standardized testing costs an enormous amount

In addition to giving us questionable results, at best, and being used in completely inappropriate ways to evaluate effective teaching, standardized tests, like the MEAPs, cost states enormous sums.  There has to be a better way to ensure quality education.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/30/school-finance-expert-8-b_n_2045896.html?utm_hp_ref=education

And another article pointing to the myth of charter school success

http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2012/10/the-great-charter-charade.html?spref=fb

By the way, 80% of charter schools in Michigan are for-profit

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2011/09/29/80-of-michigan-charter-schools-are-for-profits/2/

Why the Market Theory of Education Reform Doesn't Work

This article may surprise you.  Please read it because it speaks directly to the very core of Lansing's reform politics.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2012/10/12/why-the-market-theory-of-education-reform-doesnt-work/?tid=sm_btn_fb

Protests against standardized testing are sweeping the nation

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/12/feature-us-parents-prot_n_1588975.html

Why Teacher Evaluations Shouldn't Rest on Student Test Scores

http://www.fairtest.org/sites/default/files/Teacher-Evaluation-FactSheet-10-12.pdf

Some recommendations on reform that actually make sense, for a change

 "Democracy Left Behind: How recent education reforms undermine local school governance and democratic education"
This is heavy reading, but well-worth the time.  With our state poised to dismantle locally controlled education completely with Rep. Lyons' mega choice bill and the Oxford Foundation's similar charge to create a legislative platform for the Governor's "any place at any pace" agenda, this article could not be any more timely.

http://nepc.colorado.edu/files/pb-localcontrol.pdf

confused about the ballot proposals?

  Here is a fairly comprehensive analysis of the ballot proposals issued by the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council

http://election.crcmich.org/

K-12, Inc. cyber schools posts profits of $17.5 million

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/03/online-schools-face-backl_n_1935125.html

Judge calls state pension law unconstitutional

http://www.freep.com/article/20120929/NEWS15/309290080/Judge-calls-state-pension-law-unconstitutional

Contextual Accountability

This is an extremely insightful article on what is missing from the discussion on school reform.


http://theeducatorsroom.com/2012/09/contextual-accountability/

Are schools being too generous?

This editorial asserts that because schools are not evaluating teachers using student growth measures that are based solely on test scores, they are not honestly evaluating our teachers.  We already had the answer that the public schools are riddled with bad teachers.  Now the data isn't supporting the answer.  Isn't it possible that the answer was wrong?  Or at the very least, that the method of evaluation is extremely flawed?

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120920/OPINION01/209200335/1008/OPINION01/Editorial-Schools-avoid-strong-evaluations

Teacher evaluation methods faulty?

Is it possible that the rhetoric regarding how many of our teachers are ineffective is faulty?  Or maybe that the tests that measure student growth are faulty?

http://www.freep.com/article/20120920/NEWS06/309200269/Most-teachers-found-effective-but-rating-system-questioned?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Michigan House took up parent trigger

http://www.mlive.com/education/index.ssf/2012/09/michigan_house_committee_takin.html

Khan Academy

How does Khan fit into the cyber school debate?

http://bridgemi.com/2012/09/khan-academy-sparks-passion-from-fans-skeptics/

mixed news on charter schools

http://www.freep.com/article/20120909/NEWS06/309090157/Michigan-has-more-charter-schools-than-ever-what-s-smartest-choice-

funding for K-12 down nearly 9% since 2008

 Michigan ranks 29th out of the 48 contiguous states for funding.  Is this where we want to be?

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/09/school_funding_michigan.html

what's behind the teacher's strike in chicago

This is a very interesting article about the issues facing teachers in Chicago.  Teachers in Michigan's bigger cities face many of these same issues. 

http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/15068666-452/hard-facts-behind-union-board-dispute.html

interesting article from Bridge Magazine

It’s never too early to start college | Bridge Michigan

Center for Michigan Education Talk in GR

WHEN: Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: LINC Community Revitalization, Inc., 1167 Madison SE, Grand Rapids
RSVP: Emberly Vick, LINC — emberly@lincrev.org or (616) 477-7779

If you have not been to one of these talks, please consider joining the conversation.  They are a fantastic way to have your voice heard.

MPSERS (retirement system)

An interesting interview with David Cambell, veteran school administrator, on retirement system reform.

Millions at stake for schools as Senate considers teacher retirement change | Bridge Michigan

Source: bridgemi.com

David Campbell, superintendent of the Livingston Educational Service Agency, has been watching the debate over reform of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) for years from multiple perspectives, as a public school administrator charged with spending scarce resources, and as a future pensioner himself who will feel the effects of the reforms. All of which makes advocating for MPSERS reform more complicated and less gratifying than, for instance, advocating for direct s...

Another movie promoting "school reform"

 Hope you can read this story in Education Week.  A new movie to be released in September, called "Won't Back Down," is a fictionalized portrayal of the use of parent trigger laws.  The movie is produced by Walden Media, the same production company behind "Waiting for Superman," a film widely used to disparage public education and teachers unions.  "Won't Back Down" promises to be a feel good movie on its surface, but it should definitely be viewed with a critical eye.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/charterschoice/2012/07/parent_trigger_goes_hollywood.html?cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS2

Friends of Kent Co. Schools Candidate Education forum

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/06/kent_and_ottawa_candidates_for.html

Education forum summary

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/06/what_kent_county_parents_say_t.html

Winnie Brinks is running in the 76th District Anne Grobel is running for Precinct Delegate

Hello Friends--

I wanted to let you all know that a true education advocates are running for office!!

Winnie Brinks is running a write in campaign for the 76th district.  Winnie is dedicated to both education and to middle class values.  She has been working on these issues in the background and on the grass roots level for as long as I have known her--6 years and longer.  She is going to need a lot of support both within and outside of her district.  Please take a look at her information.  I support her with my whole heart.  I plan on being there for her on Friday morning in front of the County Administration Building, 300 Monroe Ave NW, GR, 49503.

Also, EGRPS Legislative Committee member, Anne Grobel, is running for Republican precinct delegate in her EGR precinct.  She is running against an establishment opponent and needs our support.  She is a strong education advocate and has been knee deep in education policy for the past 4 years.  I strongly support her in her race.

Let's support our Legislative Committee friends.

Don't forget the Tuesday, June 26 Candidate forum sponsored by Friends of Kent County Schools and being held at the KISD building, 2930 Knapp NE, GR, MI 49525!  See the information from Christie Ramsey below!!

Lucy

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Elizabeth Lykins <elizabeth@welch-law.com>
To: Elizabeth Lykins <elizabeth@welch-law.com>
Sent: Wed, June 20, 2012 10:29:42 AM
Subject: Winnie for State Rep!!!

> All:  many of you have been following what I will just call the "Roy Saga" in the 76th House District.  Roy, a longtime Democrat and friend to many of us, switched to the Republican Party 10 minutes before the filing deadline and then had a family friend file as a "fake Democrat" to ensure the Dems would not have a real candidate. The fake Democrat withdrew his name, giving us the chance to elect a real friend. 

> That person is Winnie Brinks, a long-time friend who has fought passionately for our public schools.  I had the privilege of first meeting Winnie through our shared work on public education advocacy many years ago when she chaired the committee I worked on through our PTA.  Many others know her through her work with the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, East Grand Rapids PTA, and The Source.    Her husband is a Middle School teacher and she has 3 daughters. 

The fun kicks off tomorrow for Winnie.  Please join us at 9:00 am for the 9:30 kickoff of Winnie's campaign for the 76th House District seat.  She is a candidate we can be incredibly proud of.  If you think you can stop by to support us, please email me so I can get a rough head count.  My sincerest thanks for your support through this journey.  We have a road ahead, but I am confident Winnie will be embraced by voters as they get to know her tremendous work she has done in her work as a volunteer and in her career.    She has incredible integrity and a genuineness you will all appreciate.  Many of us are very excited to go to work for Winnie.  Come out and meet her and see why you should be too! 

Winnie's Kickoff Information: 
>
> In front of the County Administration Building entrance
> 9:30 a.m. On Friday June 22nd (THIS Friday)
> 300 Monroe Ave. NW
> Downtown GR (Next to the Calder)
> (kids are welcome too!!)
> 

Michigan House of Representatives Primary Election Candidates' Forum

Greetings!  You are invited to attend our Michigan House of Representatives Primary Election Candidates' Forum scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 26 in the Grand Room of the Kent ISD Educational Service Center, 2930 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids, 49525.  The forum is sponsored by the Friends of Kent County Schools, which is an education advocacy group comprised of parents, school board members and administrators interested in providing the best education possible to the nearly 100,000 public school students in Kent County.  We have asked all the candidates running for election in the House of Representatives to participate in our forum.  Candidates will be asked about their views on education issues including school funding, policy issues and restoring the integrity of the Proposal A funding mechanism for K-12 schools. Candidates will also be asked what a new funding system should include if they believe Proposal A is inadequate or outdated, and policy issues related to improving student achievement.  We look forward to seeing you on June 26, and I thank you in advance for your participation.    Christie Ramsey friendsofkentcounty@gmail.com.

State House Candidate's Forum Tuesday June 26, 7 - 9 p.m.

The forum will be held in the Grand Room in the Kent ISD Education Service Center
Tuesday, June 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is open to the public.

Budget Update...Education is a Sticking Point

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/05/michigan_budget_education_fund.html#incart_hbx

The Legislature is Working on the Budget and Diffusing an Embarrassment

http://www.miparentsforschools.org/node/166
This is what the legislature is working on right now.

http://www.mlive.com/education/index.ssf/2012/05/urban_districts_say_proposed_k.html

This article on the embarrassment of urban schools having to cut programs because the change in kindergarten funding (cutting the funding in half or requiring full day programming) puts federal dollars at risk.  Urban schools that provide all day kindergarten currently are able to supplement their funding with federal Title I dollars which will be lost under this new scheme.  If the legislature folds, they will take the funding from somewhere to supplement the urban schools.  I wonder where that funding will come from?  Best Practices dollars could be threatened.  We will keep you posted.  Lucy

A Whole District Going Charter? Is This The Future?

From the www.miparentsforschools.org site.

Muskegon Heights schools to be replaced with charters?

Submitted by Steven Norton on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 1:17pm

Both MIRS News and the Grand Rapids Press are reporting that the emergency manager running schools in Muskegon Heights has proposed replacing the public school district with a network of charter schools.

The emergency manager, Donald Weatherspoon, is proposing the conversion as part of his solution for the school district’s financial problems. The district’s debt, currently $12.4 million, will remain with the rump school district, which will have only one or two employees, including Weatherspoon. All other staff would have to apply with the charter schools for jobs. About leaving the debt with the public district, Weatherspoon said that he wanted to give the new charters a fresh start.

Weatherspoon said that he proposed having the school district – of which he is in total control – authorize the charter network. (Networks of charter schools run by one board were permitted for the first time in the recent legislation which also removed the cap on university-sponsored charters.) Acting in place of the elected Muskegon Heights school board, Weatherspoon would then appoint the board of the charter network. It’s unclear what would happen when, and if, the local school district emerges from emergency management.

To retire the debt of the current school district, existing and possibly new property tax levies would be used to retire current obligations. (Charter schools do not have local taxing authority and receive their entire funding from the state.)

This is the first such proposal in the state, no doubt partly because the legal tools were not available until recently. State Treasurer Andy Dillon and State Superintendent Michael Flanagan must still approve the plan before it moves forward.

• Local news
 
• Commentary
 
• MIPFS Newsbriefs

Debate continues over teacher retirement system

http://www.mlive.com/education/index.ssf/2012/05/michigan_republicans_at_odds_o.html

Revenue Conference Articles

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/05/michigan_budget_schools_revenu.htm

lhttp://michiganradio.org/term/school-aid-fund

http://www.freep.com/article/20120517/NEWS15/205170724/Jobless-rate-drop-tax-revenue-jump-boost-Michigan-s-economic-outlook

EGRPS PTA Legislative Committee Update 5-20-12

•      Center for Michigan conversation was a success. Over 20 people came to give

their opinions about education in Michigan. Watch the blog for a link to another

talk in Grand Rapids co-sponsored by Michigan Radio sometime this summer.

•      Retirement costs are still the most crippling expense in our budget and our school board has no control over it.   This school year almost $0.25 of every salary dollar goes back to Lansing to cover retirement costs. Next year this cost is predicted to be $0.27.   The Legislature’s solution to this problem initially was too severe, threatening massive teacher retirements. The governor and Legislature have lessened the changes, staving off massive retirements.  We will know more over the summer.  We are lucky to have Kevin Phillips, our Assistant Superintendent of Business, join the statewide board overseeing these changes.

•      State Revenue Conference was May 16.  The state may have more money in the School Aid Fund than anticipated last January.  This may not result in more money to schools, however, because community colleges and universities are still funded through this fund.  In any event, the legislature and governor plan to have the School Aid Budget finished by June 1 which will be advantageous for schools which will not have to borrow money to make their payroll and bills like in previous years.

•      All Day Kindergarten was in all three budgets, the House, Senate and Governor’s.  It will be in the compromise budget and all schools will be coping with this cut.  It will cost our district approximately $450,000 to ramp up for all day kindergarten.  Watch the www.egrps.org to see how we will cope.  Also, the Kindergarten start date legislation has passed and will be phased in over 3 years starting 2013/14.

·         Cyber school legislation passed-we don’t know what the economic impact will beover the next few years.

Important Recap of the Disastrous Year for Public Schools in Michigan by Steve Norton of MI Parents for Schools

Steve Norton of Michigan Parents for Schools recaps the disastrous year that public schools have had.  He advocates getting informed and letting our legislators and the governor know that we want more for our schools.  He advocates working together to get the word out.  Let's keep up the good work of collaborating!


http://www.miparentsforschools.org/node/164

Sample Letters for Cyber School Vote Reconsideration

LisaLyons@house.mi.gov

Dear Representative Lyons—

The vote to pass the Cyber School Legislation was so close, it must mean that the State of Michigan Legislators and residents are not yet ready to allow virtually unlimited for-profit cyber schools in Michigan which will drain resources for current brick and mortar schools.  When the Michigan House reconsiders this legislation, please vote no.

Best Regards,

Your Constituent in the 86^th Districrt,

PeterMacGregor@house.mi.gov

Dear Representative MacGregor—

The vote to pass the Cyber School Legislation was so close, it must mean that the State of Michigan Legislators and residents are not yet ready to allow virtually unlimited for-profit cyber schools in Michigan which will drain resources for current brick and mortar schools.  When the Michigan House reconsiders this legislation, please vote no.

Best Regards,

Your Constituent in the 86^th soon to be the 73^rd district,

Urgent from We Are the People Michigan

SB 619 up for a re-vote!

Friends:

Every parent knows the drill:  To raise healthy, active children, we need to limit the time our sons and daughters spend staring at computer, TV, and mobile device screens.

Incredibly, the Michigan legislature is moving in the opposite direction.  In a narrow 56-54 vote, our House of Representatives voted last week to place thousands of Michigan children into “cyber schools,” taking them out of real classrooms and draining as much as $210 million in desperately needed revenue from our public schools.

You can make a difference by contacting your state representative TODAY.

For-profit cyber schools have no accountability, no track record of success, and no plan to provide comprehensive academic services, transportation, art, music, athletics or special education.

What they do have is plan to milk the taxpayers:  Charge full price for each child enrolled in cyber school, drill them long-distance at a fraction of the cost of a real school… and pocket the difference.

Teachers, parents, student and school officials are united against this wrong-headed move.  So who’s for it -- besides the for-profit companies that will get top dollar for bottom-of-the-barrel services?

Good question – and YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO ASK YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE.

The Michigan House of Representatives will re-consider SB 619, the cyber schools bill, on Tuesday, May 1.  Because the original vote was so close, we’ve still got a chance to turn this around.  If just one legislator changes his or her vote, we can stop this taxpayer rip-off in its tracks.

Your state legislator could be the one who makes the difference.  Click here to find his or her phone and email, and please contact him or her right away.  

Urge your Representative to vote NO on SB 619.  Please make a call or send an email today -- this vote is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, April 31.

Thanks for all you do,

Todd, Roger and the WATP team 

P.S. If your Representative is already voting the right way thank them and reach out and urge Representative Zorn to change his vote on SB 619.  Zorn was the tie breaking vote last time and we need to let him know he has a second chance on Tuesday to do the right thing.

Cyber School Legislation and Center for Michigan Forum

From Your EGRPS PTA Legislative Committee:

Disappointing news from Lansing this week that the Cyber School Legislation has been passed by the slimmest of margins (2 votes).  We don't know all of the changes that were made to the cyber school bill once it left committee.  We will keep you informed of how this legislation diverts money away from our schools.

The good news in East Grand Rapids is that Center for Michigan is coming to town on Wednesday, May 9 at 6pm in the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, EGR, MI 49506, to find out what we think about all of the legislative changes to education in Michigan during the last year.  Please check them out at http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/community-conversations/.  We have room for about 40 parents to give our opinions. Please rsvp to lucylafleur@sbcglobal.net if you can attend.  Thanks.

ALEC and its role in undermining public education

Controversial Policy Group Casts Long K-12 Shadow

April 20, 2012  by Andrew Ujifusa

The American Legislative Exchange Council—known as ALEC—has helped shape debate on issues such as vouchers and

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/04/20/29alec_ep.h31.html?tkn=SRZFIVbIARMP%2Byn0xs%2Bbta8YSvSaocmTjWLR&intc=es

Another Analysis of Cyber Schools Bill 619

Tina's Analysis of Cyber Schools bill 619

Lisa Lyons is the current representative for East Grand Rapids.  Next session, EGR will be represented by Peter MacGregor, assuming he gets reelected, so please consider contacting both of them.  Below are some talking points that you may wish to include in your letter or call.

Senate bill 619 would remove nearly all limits on the size of entirely online "cyber" charter schools in Michigan. Fully online K-12 charter schools have only been in operation here for a year and a half, and the jury is still out on their performance. The experience of other states, which have had online charters for longer, is not promising.

On top of that, these schools currently receive the same per-pupil funding as other, physical, public schools, even though their expenses are much lower. The major operators of these schools are private, for-profit, companies whose first priority is to their investors.  In fact, SB 619 is based on a model bill drafted by the lobbyist for K12, Inc., one of the major for-profit cyber school operators in the country and a current operator in Michigan.

Why should we turn our children into a business opportunity?

Current Michigan law calls for a progress report on the two experimental cyber schools at the end of this year. The report will analyze their performance and detail their true expenses. This approach is sensible and fiscally prudent. Why toss it all aside?

Proponents of the bill say that the bill has been modified by the House Education Committee to keep some limits on the number of online charter schools and how many students they can enroll. That is disingenuous.  The limit would eventually go up to 30 schools (from the current 2), and each one would be "limited" to about 33,000 students!

This is not a limit; it’s a $7 BILLION giveaway of taxpayer money to for-profit cyber “schools.”

Cyber school proponents argue that many families want access to these schools. Perhaps, but it can't be because of their track record, because they don't have one in Michigan and the stories from other states are hair-raising. How, precisely, do you do online kindergarten? How do you ensure kids are making progress? Since these cyber charters require "learning coaches" at home for students, who do most of the actual teaching, why does the online company pocket the entire state funding?

Sure, online learning is here to stay, and "blended" programs offered by our established local public schools can meet the needs of many students who would have difficulty taking traditional classes. Why pull resources away from our proven, and community-governed, local public schools just to pad the bottom line of the latest fad growth stock?

Kindergarten Start Date Legislation

Active Legislation Senate Bill 315 and House Bill 4513 —
Kindergarten Start Date 
The Michigan Legislature has introduced legislation that would change the eligibility age for starting kindergarten.  Currently a child in Michigan must be 5 years old by December 1^st in order to begin kindergarten in the fall of that year.
Senate Bill 315 would move the eligibility date from December 1^st to November 1^st beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, requiring a child to be 5 by November 1^st to start kindergarten.    Subsequently, in the 2013-2014 school year, a child would have to be 5 by October 1^st; and, in the 2014-2015 school year, a child would have to be 5 by September 1^st.  Senate Bill 316 addresses the appropriations side of the bill, adjusting the state funding to school districts to align with the new start date.
House Bill 4513 would move the eligibility date from December 1^st to September 1^st, requiring a child to be 5 years old by September 1^st in order to start kindergarten that school year.  This bill permits the parent or guardian of a child who will turn 5 between September 2^nd and December 1^st to request a waiver to allow the child to enroll in school prior to his or her birthday.
  While Michigan PTA supports ensuring that every child is ready to learn when starting kindergarten, there are consequences to this legislation that we would like addressed.  There will be a reduction in revenue to school districts for one to three years, depending on the final legislation, and school districts would face challenges aligning staff to the smaller class sizes.  What has not been discussed is how will the state use the savings that will result in fewer kindergarteners?
Michigan PTA advocates for inclusion of the following provisions to the proposed legislation:

• Phase-in over three years, as proposed in Senate Bill 315.  However, we would like to see the phase-in process begin in the 2013-2014 school year. 
• Waiver request opportunity, with individual school districts determining the requirements for a waiver.
• Apply the savings from implementation of this legislation to readiness programs for children impacted by the change in kindergarten start date.

Michigan PTA expects the legislature to consider the impact to our students when making changes to our public schools.  Michigan PTA supports improved educational outcomes for our students.  Having children prepared to learn when they start kindergarten enables students to meet rigorous educational standards.
For additional information, and to follow Michigan PTA activity on this and other legislation, visit http://www.michiganpta.org/advocacy.html .

Michigan Parent Teacher Association 
1390 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
Phone: 734-975-9500 - Fax: 734-677-2407
Web site: www.michiganpta.org

Reminder to contact legislators about HB 619

Reminder of the Legislative Alert that came out before Spring Break from Friends of Kent County Schools about HB 619, Cyber Schools


Please call your member of the Michigan House now and urge him/her to vote against this dangerous piece of legislation.  Even if you have already contacted them - please reach out one more time.  Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 619 and to be directed to talking points and contact information for your representative.

Surprise! Administrative Costs Higher for Charter Schools than Traditional Public Schools

Here is an analysis of charter schools spending up to $1000 more per child on administrative costs compared to public K-12 schools.  Public schools look like an efficient bargain.  Let's not bleed them dry before we learn to appreciate the resource we have!  Lucy

http://bridgemi.com/2012/04/report-charters-spend-less-in-classrooms/?utm_source=constant%2Bcontact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=report%2Bcharters%2Bspend%2Bless%2Bin%2Bclassrooms#.T43UUKvY98E

Local Appointment to the Public Schools Employee Retirement Board

EGRPS' Kevin Phillips was appointed to the board overlooking public schools employees retirement.


http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/04/governor_appoints_east_grand_r.html

Michigan PTA Advocacy Update

Committee for Children’s Advocacy 5 Minute Legislative Update April 5, 2012

This update is for our units to use in their newsletters and to have available at their PTA meetings.  Please share with your members and community.

THIS MONTH:

• Zero Tolerance for Unwarranted Expulsions
• K-12 Funding
• Kindergarten Start Date Legislation

Zero Tolerance for Unwarranted Expulsions – Strategies and Alternatives

Last month, Mark Fancher, an attorney for ACLU Michigan, addressed Advocacy Day attendees on Michigan ’s zero tolerance expulsion practices.  He emphasized that school administrators are often expelling students, instead of using alternative solutions when possible.

Children are entitled to due process – a hearing is required, and, with the exception of firearms offenses, school districts can use discretion NOT to expel a child.  Families frequently do not know how to avoid an expulsion or understand how to apply for reinstatement after being expelled.  Additionally, administrators may not be aware of  what options are available to them.

We must advocate for change.

Michigan expanded its zero tolerance policies well beyond firearm possession.  Mandatory expulsion in Michigan includes deadly weapons, dangerous weapons, and harmful objects.  This has resulted in punishment for possession of such items as butter knives, paper clips, and toy guns according to the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan.

School administrators must explore alternatives to suspensions and expulsions.  Restorative practices work to repair the problem rather than punish offenders and have been used with success in many school districts.  Lansing and Kalamazoo are examples of school districts in Michigan that have used these practices.

We also must advocate for quality and convenient alternative education for those students who are expelled.  Children must be given every opportunity to succeed in school and benefit from a quality education.

Michigan PTA advocates for every child to receive a quality education – currently those who are expelled have few options to continue their education and graduate from high school.

You can learn more about restorative practices through the International Institute for Restorative Practices (www.iirp.edu/).

What can you do?

• Talk to your school district administrators and school board about implementing restorative practices.
• Talk with your legislators regarding your concerns with our zero tolerance laws.
• Help to make sure that every child is treated fairly and justly; work to ensure that all children receive a quality education.

Michigan PTA passed a resolution in 2010 addressing these concerns:

Resolved, that the Michigan PTSA proposes that Michigan ’s mandatory expulsion guidelines be in alignment with the Federal guidelines for “zero tolerance,” and be it further

Resolved, that the Michigan PTSA recommends data on suspended and expelled students be gathered, in order to best develop effective policies in regards to student discipline, and be it further

Resolved, that the Michigan PTSA recommends that no student be expelled without placement in an alternative education program, and that convenient and quality alternative education be provided by the State of Michigan, and be it further

Resolved, that the Michigan PTSA believes that students’ education should be disrupted as little as possible, and that local school districts should implement alternatives to expulsion, and that there be statewide procedures and policies for addressing disciplinary problems.

K-12 Funding

The Governor has proposed his budget for K-12 education, and it doesn’t include any increase to K-12 education.  The proposed budget maintains the $470 per pupil decrease that schools received this year.

Governor Snyder asks to maintain funding for early childhood education, funding for at-risk students, and funding programs to improve academic achievement and reduce drop-out rates.  However, there is a decrease in funding to lowering class sizes in high-poverty schools.

Michigan PTA supports equitable funding for all school districts. 

There are additional areas of concern which will negatively impact education funding:

• An increase in mandatory contributions to the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System will increase costs to local school districts. 
• Michigan PTA supports all day kindergarten.  However, Governor Snyder’s budget does not provide additional funding for implementation.  School districts will incur increased costs switching from ½ day to full day kindergarten.  We urge the Governor and the Legislature to provide additional funding to support this great initiative.

ACTION REQUIRED:  Over the next two months, contact your state senator and state representative to share your concerns.  Governor Snyder’s proposed incentives are important, however, K-12 schools need to have funding restored.  You have surely noticed the impact the cuts to education have had in your child’s school; relay your experiences to your legislators.  It is imperative that our legislators know we expect them to ensure that every child in Michigan has the opportunity for a quality education.  Their futures, and ours, depend on it.

Kindergarten Start Date Legislation

Michigan PTA responded to bills introduced to change the eligibility date to enter kindergarten.

Senate Bill 315 would move the eligibility date from December 1st to November 1st beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, requiring a child to be 5 years old by November 1st to start kindergarten.  Subsequently, in the 2013-2014 school year, the child would have to be 5 years old by October 1st; and, in the 2014-2015 school year, a child would have to be 5 years old by September 1st.  Senate Bill 316 addresses the appropriations side of the bill, adjusting the state funding to school districts to align with the new start date.

House Bill 4513 would move the eligibility date from December 1st to September 1st, requiring a child to be 5 years old by September 1st in order to start kindergarten that school year.  This bill permits the parent or guardian of a child who will turn 5 between September 2nd and December 1st to request a waiver to allow the child to enroll in school prior to his or her birthday.

While Michigan PTA supports ensuring that every child is ready to learn when starting kindergarten, there are consequences to this legislation that we would like addressed.  There will be a reduction in revenue to school districts, depending on the final legislation, and school districts would face challenges aligning staff to the smaller classes as they move through grades K-12.  What has not been discussed is how will the state use the savings that will result in fewer students?

Michigan PTA advocates for inclusion of the following provisions to the proposed legislation:

• Phase-in over three years, as proposed in Senate Bill 315.  However, we would like to see the phase-in process begin in the 2013-2014 school year.  The phase-in would minimize the impact on school districts as the start date changes.  Waiting until 2013-2014 allows families who will be impacted time to make plans for other childcare and preschool arrangements.
• Waiver request opportunity, with individual school districts determining the requirements for a waiver.  School districts should determine their process by how they will assess readiness. 
• Apply the savings from implementation of this legislation to readiness programs for children impacted by the change in kindergarten start date.  Michigan PTA advocates for early childhood education; this is a perfect opportunity to begin funding quality pre-kindergarten.

Michigan PTA expects the legislature to consider the impact to our students when making changes to our public schools.  Michigan PTA supports improved educational outcomes for our students.  Having children prepared to learn when they start kindergarten enables students to meet rigorous educational standards.

Action:  Share your concerns with your legislators regarding the proposed legislation.

Michigan Parent Teacher Association
1390 Eisenhower Place
Ann Arbor, MI 48108 www.michiganpta.org ♦ 734-975-9500

Budget Analysis by Michigan Parents for Schools

Here is more analysis about the proposed budget.  You can see that the budget sets in place a 20% decline in K12 funding which is a tax policy rather than a result of the economic downturn.  Lucy



http://www.miparentsforschools.org/node/162

How the budget is shaping up in both houses so far

Steven Norton of Michigan Parents for Schools wrote on the MPS Facebook page:
"I'm late in working up an analysis of the budget proposals, but things are getting interesting. Both the House and Senate are working on parallel tracks, which will have to be reconciled at some point. The House appears to have softened the "best practices" requirements and replaced the "performance" bonuses with technology grants. They also increase the MPSERS offset. (Need to see where the money is coming from.)

In a more naked political appeal, the Senate committee stripped out the MPSERS offset money and used it, along with some cash taken from other areas, to increase the foundation allowance. Net effect for districts is roughly the same, but an increase in per-pupil funding sounds better. Ironic, given that they're not up for election until 2014.

In any case, the actual increase in K-12 funding is negligible compared to last year. We need to keep the full picture in mind."

No action on SB 619 before April

There was no action on SB 619 (cyber school legislation) before the legislators left for their spring break.  Please keep the pressure on your legislator to oppose this bill.  Even in its reduced form (allowing no more than 3% of Michigan students to enroll in cyber schools) it is a bill that opens the door for substandard, privatized education, paid for with public school dollars.  

Friends of Kent County Schools/Grassroots Alert

Legislative Alert: 72 Hour Countdown

In 72 hours the legislature will adjourn for spring recess.  What happens in those 72 hours will impact public schools forever.  Senate Bill 619, a bill that would dramatically expand the number of unproven cyber schools, is still on the floor of the House of Representatives.   We've received word that the House WILL vote on Senate Bill 619 in the next 72 hours.   We need your help to keep this vote from taking place. Please call your member of the Michigan House now and urge him/her to vote against this dangerous piece of legislation.  Even if you have already contacted them - please reach out one more time.  Click here for additional information about Senate Bill 619 and to be directed to talking points and contact information for your representative.

PTA Legislative Update on Kindergarten Start Date Legislation+

Active Legislation Senate Bill 315 and House Bill 4513 —
Kindergarten Start Date 
The Michigan Legislature has introduced legislation that would change the eligibility age for starting kindergarten.  Currently a child in Michigan must be 5 years old by December 1^st in order to begin kindergarten in the fall of that year.
Senate Bill 315 would move the eligibility date from December 1^st to November 1^st beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, requiring a child to be 5 by November 1^st to start kindergarten.    Subsequently, in the 2013-2014 school year, a child would have to be 5 by October 1^st; and, in the 2014-2015 school year, a child would have to be 5 by September 1^st.  Senate Bill 316 addresses the appropriations side of the bill, adjusting the state funding to school districts to align with the new start date.
House Bill 4513 would move the eligibility date from December 1^st to September 1^st, requiring a child to be 5 years old by September 1^st in order to start kindergarten that school year.  This bill permits the parent or guardian of a child who will turn 5 between September 2^nd and December 1^st to request a waiver to allow the child to enroll in school prior to his or her birthday.
  While Michigan PTA supports ensuring that every child is ready to learn when starting kindergarten, there are consequences to this legislation that we would like addressed.  There will be a reduction in revenue to school districts for one to three years, depending on the final legislation, and school districts would face challenges aligning staff to the smaller class sizes.  What has not been discussed is how will the state use the savings that will result in fewer kindergarteners?
Michigan PTA advocates for inclusion of the following provisions to the proposed legislation:

• Phase-in over three years, as proposed in Senate Bill 315.  However, we would like to see the phase-in process begin in the 2013-2014 school year. 
• Waiver request opportunity, with individual school districts determining the requirements for a waiver.
• Apply the savings from implementation of this legislation to readiness programs for children impacted by the change in kindergarten start date.

Michigan PTA expects the legislature to consider the impact to our students when making changes to our public schools.  Michigan PTA supports improved educational outcomes for our students.  Having children prepared to learn when they start kindergarten enables students to meet rigorous educational standards.
For additional information, and to follow Michigan PTA activity on this and other legislation, visit http://www.michiganpta.org/advocacy.html .

 

Michigan Parent Teacher Association 
1390 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
Phone: 734-975-9500 - Fax: 734-677-2407
Web site: www.michiganpta.org

More on SB619 (cyber school legislation)

http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/03/cyberschool_bill_poses_questio.html

Talking points for letters, emails, phone calls to Legislators regarding SB 619 (cyber school legislation)

It is urgent that you contact our state representative on this issue immediately. 

Lisa Lyons is the current representative for East Grand Rapids.  Next session, EGR will be represented by Peter MacGregor, assuming he gets reelected, so please consider contacting both of them.  Below are some talking points that you may wish to include in your letter or call.

 

Senate bill 619 would remove nearly all limits on the size of entirely online "cyber" charter schools in Michigan. Fully online K-12 charter schools have only been in operation here for a year and a half, and the jury is still out on their performance. The experience of other states, which have had online charters for longer, is not promising.

 

On top of that, these schools currently receive the same per-pupil funding as other, physical, public schools, even though their expenses are much lower. The major operators of these schools are private, for-profit, companies whose first priority is to their investors.  In fact, SB 619 is based on a model bill drafted by the lobbyist for K12, Inc., one of the major for-profit cyber school operators in the country and a current operator in Michigan.

 

Why should we turn our children into a business opportunity?

 

Current Michigan law calls for a progress report on the two experimental cyber schools at the end of this year. The report will analyze their performance and detail their true expenses. This approach is sensible and fiscally prudent. Why toss it all aside?

 

Proponents of the bill say that the bill has been modified by the House Education Committee to keep some limits on the number of online charter schools and how many students they can enroll. That is disingenuous.  The limit would eventually go up to 30 schools (from the current 2), and each one would be "limited" to about 33,000 students!

This is not a limit; it’s a $7 BILLION giveaway of taxpayer money to for-profit cyber “schools.”

 

Cyber school proponents argue that many families want access to these schools. Perhaps, but it can't be because of their track record, because they don't have one in Michigan and the stories from other states are hair-raising. How, precisely, do you do online kindergarten? How do you ensure kids are making progress? Since these cyber charters require "learning coaches" at home for students, who do most of the actual teaching, why does the online company pocket the entire state funding?

 

Sure, online learning is here to stay, and "blended" programs offered by our established local public schools can meet the needs of many students who would have difficulty taking traditional classes. Why pull resources away from our proven, and community-governed, local public schools just to pad the bottom line of the latest fad growth stock?