Important memo from MEA President Salters on Race to the Top decision
January 12, 2010—In a message sent to all MEA members, MEA President Iris K. Salters communicated the organization’s final stance on Michigan’s application for the federal Race to the Top competition and the rationale for that decision.
“MEA's final decision is that we cannot recommend to our local association presidents that they sign memorandums of understanding that commit their members to implementing the state's incomplete and flawed Race to the Top plan,” Salters said.
Agreement reached for reasonable extension on Race to the Top deadline
January 6, 2010 - Districts and their local unions will now get to read the state's final plan before signing off on it, thanks to extension negotiated on Tuesday.
EPIC-MRA Press Release: Voters leery of strings attached to Race to the Top fund
January 6, 2010 - According to a recent statewide poll, many voters have concerns about several of the key school reforms linked to the federal “Race to the Top” funding program.
Lack of final Race to the Top plan jeopardizes funds
Districts, employees cannot sign on to plan without seeing it first
January 4, 2010 - The Michigan Department of Education is jeopardizing any chance of the state winning Race to the Top funds by rushing to force school districts and local unions to sign off on a blank contract -- one that right now appears to grant control over many local education decisions to the state.
Various school reforms make the cut in 'Race to the Top' legislation
Five-bill package passed by Legislature on Saturday puts Michigan in competitive position for additional federal funds
December 22, 2009 - It took marathon sessions this past weekend, but state legislators passed legislation required for Michigan's entry in the "Race to the Top" (RTTT) competition. Passage of these bills clears the way for Michigan to attempt to win millions in additional education funding from the federal government.
December 21, 2009 - We have come to agreement with legislative leaders on every necessary aspect of Race to the Top, including alternative certification, using student data as a component in employee evaluation, and measures to turn around struggling schools. However, the absolutely unnecessary language in the bills stripping educators of their voice in helping students in those struggling schools is something we cannot and will not support.
MEA outlines concerns about Race to the Top legislation
December 7, 2009 - MEA President Iris K. Salters issued an open letter this morning outlining MEA's concerns about several components of school reform legislation under consideration in Lansing this week -- legislation intended to help Michigan compete for federal "Race To The Top" funding. The concerns focused on the details of many different proposals being discussed, many of which need further clarification before the bills can be properly enacted to help students and schools.
Several school reform proposals under consideration in Lansing
Particularly in light of requirements under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), several school reform bills are being debated at the Capitol and could end up as part of the negotiations over the state budget or public employee health plan.
Make your voice heard on the MEA Votes Blog or MEA's Facebook page.
Comparing the House and Senate school reform proposals
While the budget and House Bill 5345 remain on the front burner, you also need to know about two other packages of bills that would impact public education.
'Reform’ discussion includes charter school expansion
Research clashes with rhetoric
Despite a growing body of research that casts doubt on whether the academic performance of students in charter schools is any better than that of their peers in traditional public schools, these alternative schools are at the heart of some of the reform talks taking place in Lansing right now.
A look into the crystal ball: Taxpayers on the hook for state-run health plans
If you're wondering what a worst-case scenario might be for House Bill 5345, the proposed Michigan Health Benefits Plan, look no further than North Carolina.
This year, taxpayers will pay $250 million to bail out their state-run health plan. In two years, that number will rise to $678 million because of cost overruns and little or no oversight.
Are Michigan taxpayers ready to do the same? Can we afford to take that chance?
Updated: March 24, 2010 4:09 PM
School reform quick links:
Talking Points on School Reform
House Bills 4787, 4788 and 4789
Agreement reached for reasonable extension on Race to the Top deadline
EPIC-MRA Press Release: Voters leery of strings attached to Race to the Top fund
Lack of final Race to the Top plan jeopardizes funds
Various school reforms make the cut in 'Race to the Top' legislation
MEA outlines concerns about Race to the Top legislation
Several school reform proposals under consideration in Lansing