Tag: Education Reform

Just wanted to give everyone an update on last week's URGENT ACTION ALERT asking you to contact potentially wavering Republican House members to encourage them to support parental choice in our kids' education.

The issue is such a slam dunk for Michigan parents and students even the Detroit News jumped on the bandwagon  in yesterday's Sunday edition, opining that the "House Should Choose School Choice."

Just two months ago, lawmakers faced lifting the cap on charter schools. They did, after a heated fight. Now, they are mulling whether to expand virtual charter schools. Legislators should not place the interests of the education establishment above families who desire this alternative.

The Republicans who wavered longest on the previous bill are the same ones who are irresolute now. The 10 or so lawmakers are mostly in their first term and are looking toward re-election in November.

Though they are getting pounded with calls and visits from school superintendents and teachers unions, they shouldn't allow their own political concerns to cloud their principles.

Indeed, and Amen!

Is it really that much to ask our self-described "conservative" lawmakers to put principle above self interest?  Probably.  So let's marry the two.  They're hearing from the Debbie Squires of the world.  They need to hear from you, too!

The unofficial word out of Speaker Bolger's office is that a vote on Senate Bill 619 will come this week Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.  Please take a moment TODAY to contact your own state Representative and encourage him or her to vote YES on SB 619, to stand up to the MEA and to give hope and opportunities to every kid in Michigan.

Last week's action alert identified about a dozen wobbly Republicans.  If you haven't reached out to them, please do that as well.  About half of the folks on that list have already heard your voice and plan to vote YES.  We need them all!

Today you can give them a shout and tie their principles to their self interest.

The various bills lifted the arbitrary cap on charter schools and empowered parents to pursue the education choices that work best for their kids.  As you probably know, two-thirds of the state's charter schools, most in urban districts like Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing and - of course - Detroit, have waiting lists a mile long as parents demand more choices and better results for their children.

Despite the major advances and the fact that lawmakers listened to parents late last year, 2012 is an election year and some members of the state House Republican majority are worried about raising the ire of the MEA and their teacher union cronies.

Along with education reforms proposals lifting caps for charter schools there are other reforms afoot. The lifting of the charter school cap in Michigan promises to bring some much needed competition to the education of our children.  Better schools draw more, and survive. Failing education practices .. well FAIL.  From M-Live a couple days ago:

"Every parent in the state wants the very best for their children," state Sen. Phil Pavlov, R-St. Clair Township, chair of the Senate Education Committee. "Unfortunately, when it comes to educating our kids, adult issues too often get in the way."

SB0624 Sponsored by Sen Pavlov carries that competition a bit further. Appropriately allowing the financial credit for the student's attendance to move WITH the student to the school of choice, it provides incentive for schools to seek students from outside their districts.  It provides also another option for parents of students who want to learn, to provide the best possible education for their child.

Rumor has it not all Republicans are entirely on board.