Legislation introduced last week in the Michigan Senate to improve schools that consistently fail to educate children, while well intentioned, would let too many under-performing schools off the hook, says the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. This is an effort to help the schools that are on life support while there are still close to 200 school buildings, serving thousands of Michigan children, that are in critical condition. Let s not forget the children in those schools. The school accreditation report provides parents and others with the information they need to encourage positive changes in their schools and provide the best education possible for our children.
Taxpayers have a right to know the results.
It is important for everyone interested in a better education system to have an understanding of how well schools are performing. Once they identify current conditions and determine how much work needs to be done, there is a better chance that real improvement will take place. The State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction recently decided to delay the release of the school accreditation report when they realized that close to 900 of Michigan s 3,128 schools were not able to meet minimum standards. Now, the education establishment is pushing for even lower standards. Backing away from these standards will ultimately hurt children, confuse parents and slow the improvement process.