Last week we asked our followers on social media, “if you had complete control of the education system in Michigan, what would you do to improve it?” Once again, we had some great answers and it is clear that education is on the minds of many Michiganders with the upcoming election around the corner. Our two favorite answers for this week came from Jeff Cruse and Joan Merritt.
Jeff said that to improve the education system in Michigan he would move teachers’ pensions to private 401K accounts. We loved that he wanted to solve the system through economical means. According to Michigan Capitol Confidential, the state’s cost of the teacher pension system has quintupled over the past three years. As the cost grows, Michigan will either have to raise taxes or take money out of other forms of funding. Moving pensions to privatized accounts may be a solution to funding issues for both Michigan’s education system and general budget.
Joan wanted to improve education by getting rid of common core. She believes that common core is one of the worst things to happen to our state, and in fact, she believes it is even worse than other education programs such as No Child Left Behind. It is hard to disagree with her statement. Many of us, including Michigan Prosperity Project, wish to see a complete repeal and replacement of common core. Currently, Michigan ranks 42nd out of 50 in fourth grade math, 41st in fourth grade reading, and 38th in eighth grade math. These numbers are unacceptable and common core has only made the problem worse.
Let us know what you think, how would you change the education system in Michigan? Also, feel free to tell us what we should ask for our Weekly Poll #4!
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