Amid a contentious political scene nationally, a diverse group of Michigan leaders from the education, business, civic, and philanthropic realms – often at odds in the political arena – have spent the past 18 months seeking common ground on education policy. On Wednesday, the unusual coalition known as Launch Michigan released its first set of…
DetailsA bill package to revamp Michigan’s gambling laws to allow internet gaming and sports betting passed the state House and Senate this week. It is now on its way to the governor for her signature. Some research claims the changes could bring well over $50 million additional for schools each year. More realistic estimates, using…
DetailsThis Saturday, December 14, NEA will be co-hosting a public education forum with presidential candidates focused on economic, racial, and social justice. Answering questions from educators, parents, and students about how they will support strong public schools will be Sen. Michael Bennet, Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Cory Booker, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar,…
DetailsA supplemental budget bill awaits Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature after lawmakers this week approved a deal that restores money for isolated schools and autism services and increases funding for school literacy coaches. The spending measure ends a two-month standoff between Whitmer and legislative leaders. It increases the total budget by $573.5 million, including an additional $70.5…
DetailsLawmakers expect to return next week to finalize a tentative budget deal with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that would end a two-month standoff over funding priorities in the state, restore money for isolated schools and autism services, and increase funding for school literacy coaches. The deal moving forward in supplemental appropriations bills in the House and…
DetailsNovember 20, 2019 By PAULA HERBART/President – Michigan Education Association How would you like your child’s teacher to be evaluated? By the number of correct “bubbles” filled in on a standardized test? Or by creative lesson plans that develop critical thinking skills under that teacher’s tutelage? If you chose the latter, you are in good company.…
DetailsTestimony continued Tuesday in the Senate Education Committee on legislation meant to provide local flexibility to the Michigan Merit Curriculum. MEA submitted written testimony about SB 600-601, supporting the direction of the bills to provide greater flexibility for districts to design high school requirements that meet the needs of their communities and their students at the…
DetailsSen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), who just a year ago was transitioning from a high school English teacher to a state legislator, has introduced SB 633, which would strike the retention requirement in the 3rd grade reading law. In a recent Detroit News column, Polehanki shared her reasoning behind introducing the legislation. “Let’s trust our teachers…
DetailsLast week, a potential deal fell apart to end the standoff over supplemental appropriations to fill gaps in the state budget. Now, with the Legislature’s fall hunting and Thanksgiving break upon us, a solution will likely wait until lawmakers return to Lansing in December. MEA members need to contact all our lawmakers and urge them…
DetailsThe ongoing budget battle between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and GOP legislative leaders has taken up much of the oxygen in Lansing lately, but several other key issues are bubbling up to the surface at the Capitol. MEA lobbyists expect members will need to engage on legislation that has been introduced or will soon appear related…
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