The coronavirus has thrown our entire society in disarray, and no less poignant an example exists than our K-12 public schools. The closure of schools across the country has stopped the normal learning process dead in its tracks. In a valiant attempt to continue, many districts have sought to leverage long distance learning. Unfortunately, weaknesses in the law, technological infrastructure, and teacher preparation, as well as inequities among students, are barriers to success. For example, the … [Read more...]
Op-Ed: Judge Warren Calls for Fundamental School Reform in Light of Coronavirus
March 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Avondale School District Recognized by Michigan Department of Education
November 7, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Avondale School District Announces Receipt of Second MDE Grant Avondale School District has been awarded a Michigan Department of Education (MDE) grant in the amount of $40,442. The award is the second time in only six months the district has received the grant that will provide additional instruction time to students in grades K-3 who have been identified as needing additional supports and interventions in order to be reading at grade level by the end of grade 3. In May, the district … [Read more...]
Whiston’s Letter Grade System Already been Debated and Rejected
July 18, 2016 by Leave a Comment
By Tom McMillin, Former Michigan State Representative Calls on State Board of Education to Demand the Scheme be Rejected Former State Representative and candidate for Michigan’s State Board of Education Tom McMillin criticized today's announcement by State Superintendent Brian Whiston that the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) plans to go above and beyond any state or federal requirements, and start assigning letter grades to Michigan K-12 public schools. McMillin said, “The … [Read more...]
Rochester Community Schools Narrows Achievement Gaps
August 28, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) recently released the remaining four schools within the Rochester Community School District from Focus School status for their efforts to bridge the achievement gap between the top and the bottom 30 percent student performers. “This is great news,” said Superintendent Robert Shaner. “Our curriculum department has done an outstanding job exploring alternative approaches to enhance student achievement. It’s wonderful when the hard work of our team, to … [Read more...]
Whiston Selected as New State Superintendent
March 20, 2015 by 1 Comment
By Beth Dalbey (Patch Staff) Dearborn Public Schools will be searching for a new superintendent with the selection Wednesday of Brian Whiston to become the next state superintendent. Whiston will replace Mike Flanagan, who will retire in June after a decade overseeing the Michigan Department of Education. The Detroit Free Press said the selection is final pending the completion of contract negotiations. Whiston was one of three finalists for the job. Others were Oakland Schools … [Read more...]
MDCH launches School Wellness Award program
January 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
From the Michigan Department of Community Health: Michigan Department of Community Health Launches School Wellness Award LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has launched a program encouraging Michigan schools to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and a tobacco-free lifestyle to students and staff. As part of the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Initiative, the Michigan School Wellness Award program aims to recognize schools working to create healthier … [Read more...]
“Pause and review” on Common Core and high-stakes testing sent to Governor
June 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today, following the Senate's concurrence on Michigan's omnibus budget that included a "pause and review" provision for Michigan Department of Education's implementation of Common Core national curriculum standards and the high-stakes testing associated with it, Rep. Tom McMillin said, "Today is a very good day for Michigan citizens, almost all of who did not have the opportunity to weigh in on turning over the standards taught in all of Michigan's public schools to a national trade association … [Read more...]
