At Issue
Granholm a big proponent of small schools
LANSING—Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to spend millions of dollars to help Michigan school districts replace large high schools that meet certain criteria with smaller schools.
High schools with low academic achievement and high dropout rates would be targeted under Granholm’s proposal. The idea is to replace bigger schools with small high schools (no more than 400 students) that emphasize strong personal relationships, consistent discipline, and real-world relevance to help at-risk students achieve high academic goals that prepare them for college and workplace success.
“Free from red tape and bureaucracy, these schools will deploy the new three Rs—rigor, relevance and relationships— to keep students in high school and then get them to college or technical training,” Granholm said.
Money would come from two sources—$ 300 million would be generated by the sale of bonds in a new 21st Century Schools Fund, while at least $640 million over the next 20 years would come from the School Aid Fund.
MEA staff and leaders are monitoring legislative developments on this proposal.
“Small schools can help some students,” says MEA President Iris K. Salters. “But, they aren’t a panacea. Attending a large school doesn’t predict failure for all, just as attending a smaller school doesn’t guarantee success.”
Beyond the number of students, schools need qualified teachers and staff, up-to-date textbooks, modern computers, and parental involvement, Salters said. And, she added, schools need to adapt to prepare students for citizenship in a diverse economy and productive employment in a high-tech global economy.
“We have to be responsive to today’s realities,” Salters said. “Our modern mission means that schools need to evolve.”
Just as MEA members have been involved in most innovations in public education over the past century, members have a role in the latest plans to help schools meet the 21st century student needs, she said.
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