LANSING, Mich. – A Western Michigan University professor’s research shows that 33 for-profit organizations operate public charter schools in Michigan, according to MLive.
MLive reports that this total is more than the number of for-profit organizations running public charter schools in Arizona and Florida.
The research shows that the largest for-profit operator is National Heritage Academies, with more than 30 schools, according to MLive. The Leona Group, MLive reports, runs more than 20 schools.
SOURCES: MLive,“Report: Michigan leads nation in number of for-profit charter school operators,” Nov. 28, 2013
FURTHER READING: Michigan Capitol Confidential,“Administrator Group Rails Against Education ‘Profiteers;’ Makes Millions Off Schools,” Dec. 27, 2012; Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “Charter School Market Working,” Jan. 16, 2013
DETROIT – Eleven Detroit Public Schools board members recently sued to remove another board member who had been appointed to the DPS board by the district’s emergency manager, according to The Detroit News.
The News reports that Wayne County Judge Annette Berry dismissed the suit. The school board member, Jonathan Kinloch, was appointed by Emergency Manager Roy Roberts, according to The News.
The News reports that Kinloch’s term on DPS’ school board will last through December 2014.
SOURCE: The Detroit News,“Judge denies request to void appointment of Detroit Board of Education member,” Nov. 26, 2013
FURTHER READING: Mackinac Center for Public Policy,“Emergency Managers Are Bad, Bankruptcy Far Worse,” July 11, 2013
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Public Schools graduates less than 50 percent of high school students in four years, according to MLive.
MLive reports that just 44.56 percent of Grand Rapids high school students graduate, compared to the statewide average of 76.2 percent. Though Michigan’s graduation rates improved between 2010-11 and 2011-12, Grand Rapids’ dropped during the same time period, according to MLive.
Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal told MLive that the district is working to address the issue, with moves that include better teacher evaluation and a new academic plan.
SOURCE: MLive,“Grand Rapids schools working to improve graduation rate data that shows it lags behind state average,” Nov. 29, 2013
FURTHER READING: Michigan Capitol Confidential, “Failing Schools Able to Mark Themselves Up to a Passing Grade,” Nov. 13 2012
LANSING, Mich. – Just two Lansing-area school districts received a $100-per-pupil bonus for academic achievement, according to the Lansing State Journal.
According to the State Journal, the two districts that received the full award were Okemos and Fowler. Some critics, reports the Lansing State Journal, say bonuses are unfair because student growth isn't enough of a factor.
According to the Lansing State Journal, districts can receive up to $60 per pupil for elementary and middle school students scoring well on state math and reading tests, and another $40 per pupil for demonstrated high school student achievement.
SOURCE: Lansing State Journal,“Just 2 mid-Michigan school districts earn $100-per-pupil state academic incentives,” Nov. 26, 2013
FURTHER READING: Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “Reducing ‘Best Practices’ Money Best for Taxpayers,” Feb. 15, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Milan High School was recently identified as a ‘reward school,’ according to The Milan News-Leader, meaning that the school’s students scored better than expected. As a result of the designation, school officials presented their practices to a statewide conference held by the Michigan Department of Education, according to The News-Leader.
Milan officials say that their success is a result of using data to make decisions, collaboration with teachers and addressing weaknesses strategically, The News-Leader reports.
According to The News-Leader, Milan High School offers ACT-focused classes, and students take tests annually that are affiliated with the ACT.
SOURCE: The Milan News-Leader,“Milan: High school officials discuss academic improvements at conference,” Nov. 28, 2013
FURTHER READING: Michigan Capitol Confidential,“Conservative Budgeting Helps Some Teachers Get Cash Back," Nov. 26, 2013
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