MEAP Successes

Here are some articles on MEAP successes, including the best 60 districts in Michigan based on this test.

http://bridgemi.com/2011/11/three-cheers-for-academic-success/

http://bridgemi.com/2011/11/and-the-winners-are/


http://bridgemi.com/2011/11/walkervilles-success-is-stuff-of-movies/

Latest EGRPS PTA Leg. Committee Update

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/11/down_goes_paul_scott_the_rise.html

Although House Education Committee and Grand Blanc House Representative Scott was recalled, we must still advocate for changes and increased regulation in the package of bills called Parent Empowerment Act which passed the Senate in October and is waiting for review in the Michigan House.  Here is the update:

EGRPS PTSA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE UPDATE:  

A critical vote coming up in the house would blow the cap on charter schools as well as allow unfettered expansion of cyber schools.  These changes come under the Parental Empowerment Education Package, a set of bills introduced in September and passed in the Senate in October.  The House is planning on moving just as fast!  While we are supportive of expanding the options for parents whose children are in failing schools, we are concerned about good school districts competing with too many schools.  Michigan cannot afford such an expansion of schools!  Also, the legislation does not address the quality of education in these new schools.  We demand quality regulation and fiscal responsibility such as is followed by successful traditional school districts in Michigan.  Let's put more thought into reinventing education in Michigan, including looking to home grown success!  For more information, please check www.egrpseducationadvocates.blogspot

LisaLyons@house.mi.gov 

Hello Representative Lyons;

I am writing to you today to tell you to vote no on the Parent Empowerment package of bills.  While I am supportive of expanding the options for parents whose children are in failing schools, I am concerned about good school districts competing with too many schools.  Michigan cannot afford such an expansion of schools!  Also, the legislation does not address the quality of education in these new schools.  We demand quality regulation and fiscal responsibility such as is followed by successful traditional school districts in Michigan.  Let's put more thought into reinventing education in Michigan, including looking to home grown success!

Regards,

All Day Kindergarten Considerations

All Day Kindergarten continues to be a concern.  When Representative Lisa Lyons met with EGRPS Administration and School Board members last week, she stated that the change is very likely to happen in the next budget cycle.  Not only will this change in state policy have a severe economic impact on our district, but the district also needs time to develop curriculum as well as hire staff trained in early childhood education.  This is a multiple step process that takes time.    We are also very concerned about the economic impact on other districts close by.  Lucy

• Please remember that schools, such as those in GRPS, that currently have All Day Kindergarten programs are utilizing federal money for the other half of the day.  They will lose that federal money under the new state law.  All Day Kindergarten will impact all schools in Michigan that offer Kindergarten whether they are expanding to meet the requirement or they are losing federal dollars.

Bill requiring students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance clears Senate committee

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/11/bill_requiring_students_to_rec.html

State Board of Ed President urges accountability if charter cap is lifted

This article discusses State School Board President John Austin's recommendations to law makers should they choose to lift charter school caps.  One recommendation is that charter schools be held to the same accountability standards as regular public schools.  Is Lansing ready to listen?


http://www.mlive.com/education/index.ssf/2011/11/state_school_board_president_j_1.html

Grand Rapids Public Schools are doing more with less

For all the talk about Michigan's urban public schools failing to be efficient, the fact is, GRPS has managed to balance its budget despite an almost 50% decrease in state aid over the last few years.  When our legislators perpetuate a perception of public schools as wasteful and poor stewards of resources -- and use that myth as a way to justify draconian budget cuts -- we need to set the record straight.  In this video of a recent Rapid Growth event, learn about what GRPS has been doing and what its plans are for the future.

http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/schoolsofthoughtspeakerseries.aspx?utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Schools+of+Thought&utm_content=%7bEmail_Address%7d&utm_campaign=The+Skull+Edition

Advocacy Alert From PTA Michigan

November 1, 2011

Michigan PTA Members:

The Michigan Senate recently passed Senate Bill 619, allowing an unlimited number of cyber-schools in Michigan.  This bill is now before the Michigan House Committee on Education. Click here for the full text of SB 619 or copy and paste the link into your browser bar:
www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billengrossed/Senate/htm/2011-SEBS-0619.htm.

Senate Bill 618 – to remove the cap on all charter schools in the state – was taken up by the House Education Committee last week.  The full text of SB 618 can be found here  or copy and paste the link into your browser:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billengrossed/Senate/pdf/2011-SEBS-0618.pdf

You are an advocate for the children in our state and nation.  It is important for you to let your Michigan Representative know that you expect the Legislature to ensure that every child in Michigan receives a quality education.  As the Michigan Legislature makes changes to public education, it is imperative that our students have qualified educators and proper oversight.  All educational opportunities available must help students reach their full potential.

Ask your legislator: 

• Who oversees cyber-schools? Are they required to demonstrate experience and success in virtual education?
• Who determines the curriculum and instructional materials for cyber schools?  Are they required to follow the Michigan Curriculum Framework?
• What assessments are done to evaluate the students’ progress?  Are students in allpublic schools – traditional, charter, and cyber - required to take the MEAP and the Michigan Merit Exam? 
• How do cyber schools ensure that students are doing their own work?
• Are all public schools required to adopt the Common Core State Standards? 
• What research have you (the legislator) reviewed in regards to charter schools and cyber schools?
• If a student leaves a virtual school, and returns to a brick and mortar school, does the funding follow them?

Call your Michigan Representative today; let him or her know that they must look out for the children of Michigan – their future depends on it! Click here to find your representative's contact information .

  Thank you for speaking up for children,

  Michigan PTA Committee for Children’s Advocacy