Brent Nyitray
Fairlington Blade
Let the mutherfuker burn!
jnc4p
Kevin S. Willis
Michigoose
lmsinca
markinaustin
Arcanaut
novahockey
quarterback
ScottC
yellojktThings have been a bit crazy up here in Michigan as Republicans are attempting to pass some right to work legislation. Obviously, Michigan has a long history with unions so this topic is even more contentious here than in many other states. The manner in which the bill is being passed (no committee meeting, public banned at one point, in the lame duck session) only fans the flames. Here are the basics and here is an article from Michigan State Senator Gretchen Whitmer. Keep an eye on her. I would not be surprised to see her run for Governor. Governor Snyder signing this bill has given her significant publicity and will motivate the Democratic base for the next election.
Getting less attention than the right to work legislation is piece of education legislation also being considered in the lame duck session. We have had several discussion at this blog regarding public schools, private schools, and the role of the government in education. Fortunately we have a diverse view on the subject and people, I’m thinking Kevin in particular, with some great knowledge in the subject area. With that said, I am interested in people’s thoughts on quite the hullaboloo that has arisen here in Michigan over a couple of laws being considered by the lame duck state legislature.
In short, the legislation would expand the Education Achievement Authority (EAA) to become a super-disctrict of underachieving schools (the bottom 5%). The two primary criticisms relate to the lack of oversight, the head of the EAA is not elected and reports only to the governor, and the absence of much evidence that the EAA improves things.
One of the interesing aspects of the debate is that the superintendents from some rather wealthy and successful districts are strongly opposed to the proposals. A couple have drated letters and various PTA organizations had a letter published in The Washington Post
Work is pretty busy, but I’ll try to keep an eye on comments to answer any Michigan specific questions.
All Things in Moderation 
Ashot, there are some proven techniques for improving failing public schools but they are not “one size fits all”. That makes it impossible for me to offer any meaningful comment.
AISD has had success moving chronic failing HS kids out of the mainstream and into schools that could have been dumps, but are not. The students are treated as if they were young adults there and have schedules built around their part time jobs and no time limits worth mentioning on finishing classes. It has worked pretty well.
New Orleans seems to have done well with charters.
Harlem primary schools got a huge boost when they adopted the Head Start model and demanded parent participation, over the early opposition of the teachers’ union.
Boston schools improved to passably decent when Boston U. held the district in receivership.
Corpus Christi has its poorest most chicano elementary school doing well because of the principal and her incredible presence.
And you probably know the story behind Stand and Deliver.
But for every success story there are probably multiple failures. I have no way to know even if this attempt is following in the path of other successes or is one that is reinventing the wheel or is one doomed to fail b/c it is just a political sop.
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JNC, I just saw that you replied to my comment at PL.
I agree about negotiations blowing up after missed deadlines, but I think the hard deadline for all of them is the debt ceiling. Nothing comes to a halt nor even threatens to on January 2.
Tried your email and it bounced.
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