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 Representative Bert Johnson and myself recently introduced a package of bills that makes reforming perennially failing schools in Michigan a state priority and also allows the parents of the children currently attending those schools some other high quality options. 

When we started this process we asked ourselves three important questions:

Q1--Can the children in these failing schools learn?  The answer to this question is an emphatic YES they can learn.

Q2-Do we know what has worked in other areas with similar demographics that have experienced school failure? YES we do.  We have done research throughout the country and have found the best practices that are in place that lead to the highest academic performance for kids living in areas of high poverty.

Q3-Since we know the kids can learn and we know what works; the question becomes do we have the political will to make the tough decisions to give these kids an opportunity to succeed and break the cycle?  My answer to this is YES we do.

 The bills that have been introduced are HB 4787, 4788 and 4789.  Please click on the following link to review a copy of the bills,

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(1tomc1uu1bjnezrmnqnvk055))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2009-HB-4787

For future reference I want to provide you with our definition of what a failing school is for the purposes of the proposed legislation.  A failing school must meet ALL the following criteria:

• 1. The school has not met AYP (annual yearly progress) for a minimum of four (4) straight years for the category "all students".
• 2. The school is below 35% proficient in math.
• 3. The school is below 35% proficient in English.

 This definition sets a very low bar for failure and it is targeted at the schools that really need an external force to provide real reform.  It will be hard for anyone to argue that these schools are working properly and providing the children a quality education.  Something must be done and accepting the status quo is no longer an option.  This must be a moral imperative for us. 

  It is my hope to continue this blog on a daily basis with more detail and supporting information for you to review.