Great Lakes Center adds respected voice to education debate
MEA members should know they have
a respected voice in public education
policy debates that is heard by politicians,
the media and the public throughout the
nation.
The Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice is that voice and was founded in 2000 by MEA with the belief that public school reform should be based on empirically sound academic research.
Its published research has covered a variety of topics, from high-stakes testing to school vouchers.
The center’s work, conducted by independent researchers associated with major universities across the country, focuses in three areas:
• Research projects on important education issues. The most recent example is a two-part report, “Advancing the State of Research on Charter Schools in the Great Lakes Region,” by Western Michigan University professor Gary Miron, released in May.
• Regularly published policy briefs that provide the public and policymakers with recommendations on education issues supported by research done by recognized experts in each topic. A policy brief on merit pay systems for teachers was published in April. A series of briefs on school choice is expected in 2008.
• The Think Twice Think Tank Review Project regularly monitors and responds to publications and research released by 11 national and regional conservative think tanks, including the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland.
The Great Lakes Center, a nonprofit organization, consists of MEA, the Illinois EA, Indiana State Teachers Association, Education Minnesota, Ohio EA and Wisconsin EA.
For more information on the Great Lakes Center and to view research, policy briefs and Think Twice reviews, visit www.greatlakescenter.org.