Thanks for your interested in the three‑part MEA Voice “Facts v Fallacy” series.  Here you’ll find links to the stories from the magazine, as well as related source information and links for those wanting a more in-depth look at the issues.

Part I: School Performance

MEA Labor Economist Tanner Delpier tells stories with data. The tale he tells of public education in Michigan runs counter to the message heard far too often in sound bites on the news. We continually hear that public schools are “failing,” despite “record” state funding, because educators lack “accountability.”

“None of that is true,” Delpier says.  Read the full story here.

• Member Voice – Amy Urbanowski-Nowak: Listen to educators for a change
• In-Depth – “Michigan’s NAEP Performance” Policy Brief by Dr. Tanner Delpier (COMING SOON)
• Sources from the MEA Voice articles and other information:
  • From the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP):
    • 2024 Reading State Snapshot Report – Michigan 4th Grade
    • 2024 Reading State Snapshot Report – Michigan 8th Grade
    • NAEP Reading Achievement Level Descriptions by Grade
    • Interpreting NAEP Reading Results
  • From the Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP):
    • 2025 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book

Part II: School Funding – coming in February‑March MEA Voice

Part III: School Policy – coming in April-May MEA Voice