New Report: Michigan Charters Have Higher Achievement and Lower Funding
The taxpayer “
return on investment” is very good with Michigan’s charter public schools, according to a new report from the University of Arkansas. Michigan’s charter schools, while receiving one-third less in revenue, are producing NAEP scores that are similar to traditional public schools after adjusting for student demographic characteristics like free lunch eligibility. Click here to download the full report.
GVSU Hosts 12th Annual Summer Enrichment Camp
Recently 70 high school students were getting a taste of life on a college cam
pus through the Summer Enrichment Camp hosted by Grand Valley State University’s Charter Schools Office on the Allendale Campus. The camp featured activities based around the theme “Make It Happen”, and encouraged students to take proactive steps toward attending college. These juniors and seniors represented University Preparatory Academy High School, University Prep Science Math High School, Cornerstone Health and Technology School, and Henry Ford Academy: School of Creative Studies, all of which are GVSU-authorized charter public schools. Click here for an entertaining YouTube video about the camp.
Putting a Face on Blended Learning: Alexis Baker
In his own words, Alexis Baker writes about the advantages he’s experienced as a student at Nexus Academy
of Royal Oak in a guest editorial viewpoint in The Detroit News. As an athlete and student, Baker has been presented with unique options and activities to better himself, and he’s appreciative of these opportunities. This is a nice read from what seems to be an outstanding young man. Further proof that school choice works!!
Have an Opinion on Student Assessments? MDE Wants to Hear from YOU!!
There’s been a lot of talk about replacing the MEAP with a next-generation student assessment that measures both proficiency and individual student growth. Well, here’s your chance to weigh in on the issue, since the Michigan Department of Education is holding a public hearing on July 30 and has created an online survey to get YOUR thoughts and opinions on this important issue. The deadline to submit is August 5, so here’s your chance! Click here for the Free Press story with additional details, or here for the survey. In the alternative, you can submit comments to [email protected].
REMINDER: 56 “Champions for Kids” Need Your Support
GLEP has endorsed 56 candidates for the State Senate and House of Representative so far in the 2014 campaign, and we want to make sure voters are aware of these outstanding individuals. The Primary Election is Tuesday, August 5, so please remember to vote!! Click here for the full list of endorsed candidates.
UPDATE: Still No Superintendents Have Signed the “School Accountability Pledge”
MAPSA’s “School Accountability Pledge” is still available for signing by any traditional public school superintendent willing to operate under same accountability, transparency and oversight laws as Michigan’s charter public schools. We keep waiting for just one superintendent to sign it, and when they do we’ll let you know right away!
The Truth about Education Funding
In order to dispel much of the misinformation being tossed around by some partisan activists, GLEP has launched a website to provide education advocates, parents, policy makers and the news media with the facts about school funding in the state. MiKidFirst.com includes “to the penny” allocations for 800+ school districts with data from FY 2012, 2013 and 2014. This site proves that funding, on a per student basis, has gone up by hundreds of dollars per student since Governor Snyder took office.
Education Reform News from Across the Country
Do you support what GLEP is doing to improve education in Michigan? Please consider making a donation to help us continue our efforts, and all contributions are very much appreciated!!
Respectfully,
Gary G. Naeyaert
Executive Director
517-281-2690