With dropout rates rising and the economy crumbling, The Michigan Educator’s Association (MEA) attempts to tackle the problem. Throughout the summer and into the fall, MEA will be holding dropout hearing throughout the state. The focus of the hearings is finding ways to fix Michigan’s dropout crisis.
Currently, Michigan’s annual dropout rate is 20,000 dropouts. The problem costs the state $2.5 billion annually. Boosting high school graduation rates would save $127,000 per new graduate through extra tax revenues, reduced costs of public health, crime and justice, and decreased welfare payments, according to the Teachers College of Columbia University.
One explanation as to why the dropout rate is so high is new state regulations. Now students must complete fours years of science and math to receive their high school diploma.
“These graduation requirements are unrealistic for all kids,” said Diane West a Lakeview Public Schools special education teacher in St. Clair Shores, criticized the “cookie cutter” approach of the new curriculum for all students.
“We’re setting these students up for failure. Not all kids are meant to take algebra. There are many careers other than becoming doctors and engineers. We need education for all students,” she said at the May 15 hearing at the Macomb Intermediate School District.
Another critique of the current education system is that 20 percent of students aren’t inspired to create career goals.
“This confirms what educators and parents know – too many young adults are rudderless and don’t know what to do in the future,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters. “They’re going through life without direction. And when they lack clear goals and focus, they’re more likely to struggle.”
Ron Koehler, assistant superintendent of the Kent Intermediate School District, shares Salter’s opinion.
“If we don’t find a way to keep young people in school, we’re sentencing them to a life of poverty, Koehler said. “We know what does not work – more of what we’ve been doing. These hearings are about learning new ways to help kids succeed and duplicating those efforts across the state.”
All of the testimony will be presented to political leaders and the public at the Michigan Dropout Prevention Leadership Summit on October 20 in Lansing.
"Addressing high school retention and increasing graduation rates must become one of our highest priorities, and we look forward to working with the MEA and other leaders in the education community to gather 'best practices' from across the state and bring them to Lansing," said Dan Quisenberry, president of Michigan's Charter Schools.
Dropout Hearings are planned in 10 communities. All hearings are scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
May 8, Grand Rapids
Kent Career Technical Center
1655 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids (4 to 6 p.m.).
May 15, Macomb County
Macomb Intermediate School District
44001 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.
May 22, Detroit
University Preparatory Academy
600 Antoinette, Detroit.
June 5, Lansing
Capital Area District Library
401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing.
June 12, Flint
Genesee Intermediate School District’s Davis Education Center
2413 W. Maple Ave., Flint.
Sept. 4, Traverse City
Traverse Area District Library
610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City.
Sept. 11, Ishpeming
Ishpeming High School
319 E. Division St., Ishpeming.
Sept. 18, Western Wayne County
Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency
33500 Van Born Road, Wayne.
Sept. 25, Saginaw
Zauel Public Library
3100 N. Center, Saginaw. (3:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Oct. 2, Kalamazoo
Western Michigan University, Fetzer Center
1903 Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo.
Resources:
The MEA’s Dropout Page
Virtual Testimonials
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