March 27, 2006
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said that Michigan is embarking on a revolution in education by ensuring that all students are ready to succeed in college and the workplace. The Governor made her remarks at the 11th Annual Governor's Education Summit in Lansing. This year's summit is focused on “Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships: Reinventing High Schools.”
“We will not have the economic growth and prosperity we want in this state unless we move methodically and relentlessly to give Michigan the best educated workforce in the nation,” said Granholm. “That’s why my administration is working to fuel Michigan’s economic future by giving every child in Michigan the skills they need to succeed in high school, in college, and in life.”
The Governor's education agenda is in keeping with the recommendations of the Cherry Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth, appointed by Granholm in 2004, which were designed to double the number of college graduates in Michigan within a decade.
The Governor outlined several key elements of her education agenda that focus on retooling Michigan's high schools.
• Rigorous Curriculum: Granholm reiterated her call for a rigorous high school curriculum and her hope that lawmakers will approve it in time to be implemented for the 2006-2007 school year. After she called for a tough new curriculum last fall, the State Board of Education proposed a set of standards with a strong focus on math, science, and language arts that lawmakers have been debating in recent weeks. A House and Senate conference committee is now addressing the issue.
• Before and After School Tutoring: Granholm has proposed new funding for before and after school programs to help middle school students with math, science, and computer skills. This $15 million program would ensure that students enter high school ready to meet the challenges of the new curriculum. In addition, the Governor has asked the Legislature to make Michigan the first state in the nation to fund the FIRST robotics competition where high school students can learn engineering skills.
• Small High Schools: Granholm advocated the expansion of small high schools in Michigan. The Detroit Public Schools have partnered with Apple Computers to create a small, technology-oriented high school that serves as a model. Last year, the Governor asked the Legislature to approve up to $180 million in interest-free loans for school districts to develop small high schools.
• College Entrance Exams: Acting on a recommendation of the Cherry Commission, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed legislation requiring all students in Michigan high schools to take a college entrance exam as their assessment test starting in the 2006-2007 school year. The test will show students who might never have considered college that they have the skills they need to succeed.
• The new MERIT Award Scholarship: Granholm renewed her call for the Legislature to pass a new Merit Award Scholarship to give every child in Michigan $4,000 to pursue their education after high school by earning either a technical certification, a two-year associate's degree, or junior level status at a four-year college or university.
“We must give all our students the tools they need to succeed in college and the workplace and ensure that they have access to education beyond high school,” said Granholm. “Thanks to the outstanding educators in districts across Michigan and the commitment of our parents and community leaders, we are well on our way to achieving that goal.”
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