KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan State Department of Education has a list of 8-priorities that they would like the new State Legislature to address, now that Democrats have won majorities in both houses.
State Superintendent Michael Rice told State Trustees they would like to see some of the measures enacted by previous legislatures reversed, including A through F Grading, a 3-grade reading retention law, and barriers that are in place that discourage retired and out-of-state teachers from working.
Rice said they would like funding for universal preschool and meals, programs to improve graduation rates, better health and safety, vocational training, especially for teachers, and to close the gap with other states on per-pupil funding in Michigan. He also said the latest estimate claims Michigan Schools are underfunded $2 to 5.5-billion annually.
Kalamazoo Public School’s Interim Superintendent Cindy Green agrees with the list, particularly reversing the 3rd grade reading retention law. She says their goal should be to do what it takes to teach everyone to read.
Kalamazoo School Board President TiAnna Harrison says she has been a long time opponent of the 3rd Grade Reading retention law.
Dr. Rice says he is working with Senators Seann McCann and Ed McBroom on some of the proposals.
Reporting by: John McNeill
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