Education Updates
It seems education is always the hot topic in Michigan’s government arena; and of late there are some items of particular note.
Rearranging
our Thought Process on Education
Jeb Bush, former Florida Governor,
joined both House and Senate Education committees downtown Lansing last
week to share how Florida put features in place to totally turn their
educational program around. He started
“Foundation for Excellence in Education” in 2008 post his Governorship
with the intention of igniting an educational reform movement.
They started grading schools; they focused on reading with students especially
from K through 3rd grade as by 4th is when they read to learn; they graded
students against themselves, i.e. how did Johnny do in 3rd then 4th grade vs
how did Johnny do compared to Sally; they put the issue of tenure in the laps
of the local districts; provided different opportunities for teachers;
utilized different forms of education including charter and virtual and more.
Florida has made great improvements in their educational success! Governor
Bush’s message was an encouragement to those making educational decisions in
Michigan. We’re eager to see what ideas are stimulated from his visit.
Traditional
Marriage Advocate Proposes Guidelines for Higher Education
Rep Dave Agema (District 74, Grand Rapids area) has introduced
legislation that would prohibit universities from obtaining a certain amount
of state aid if they offer same sex benefits to their staff. It was initially
proposed during the budget conversation. But it has now been re-proposed in
for a new law.
House Bill 4770: Ban government benefits for "domestic partners"
Introduce by Rep Dave Agema (R) on June 16, 2011 to prohibit the state, public
schools, colleges and universities, and local governments from providing
medical benefits or other fringe benefits to an employee's "domestic partner,"
defined as someone who is not married to the employee and not a dependent or
survivor.
Click here to watch it's progress.
House Bill 4771: Ban government employee union bargaining over "domestic partner" benefits. Introduced by Rep. Dave Agema (R) on June 16, 2011, to make "domestic partner" benefits a prohibited subject during government employee collective bargaining. House Bill 4770 bans domestic partner benefits for govenrment employees. Click here to learn more.
They were taken up in Oversight, Reform, and Ethics Committee
on Tuesday, June 22 of this week
We applaud Representative Agema for his bold leadership in standing up for the
value of traditional marriage!
A Michigan School Board Pushing Liberal
Ideology - Rejected!
Saugatuck school district leadership discussed
the idea Monday night about showing a pro-LGBT sex educational video to
their 8th grade students.
The proposed idea was rejected but it stands as a searing reminder that
there are leaders in our schools that are pushing aggressively for this
agenda, even in our own back yard. One of the issues those pushing this agenda
are concerned about is "bullying". Bullying is and always will be wrong but
identifying what criteria equals bullying is not necessary.
Pro-Active Action Items: Make sure you know who is making the decisions
for your child’s school. Who sits on the school board? When are the school
board meetings and are you frequently attending? Do you know what is in the
children’s text books? Do you know of your opt-out freedoms for certain
subjects and classes? And are you praying for your school’s leadership,
students and the families they represent?
Keep your eyes and ears tuned in to what is happening in your school district
- and those around you. Our attentiveness or lack-there-of is impacting the
next generation.