"After a year of studying Michigan’s K-12 education system — reviewing the academic literature, analyzing data, interviewing and surveying stakeholders, and examining state practices nationwide — one thing is clear: The current system of state-level educational governance in Michigan is broken."
In guest commentary for Bridge Michigan, Brian Jacob, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of Education Policy, highlights findings from his recently released a rigorous, independent study commissioned by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). He and a team of researchers from the University of Michigan propose several strategic paths forward. The report is based on more than 40 interviews, 250 survey responses, dozens of studies, and extensive quantitative analysis.
"Coordination between state and local leaders often falls short," he wrote. "Despite some recent progress, schools do not have adequate funding, and substantial inequities persist across districts."
Jacob acknowledges the findings are upsetting and difficult for the MDE and State Board of Education (SBE) to hear. In a critical statement released in response to the report, MDE and SBE agree with many of the report's recommendations. But, there are key points of contention, Jacob explained.
"Most significantly, MDE and SBE took great exception to our recommendation that the governor be given more authority to shape the direction of education in Michigan. This came directly from not only prior research on educational governance but, more importantly, from our conversations with stakeholders across the state. The most consistent theme that emerged in our interviews and surveys was that there is considerable discord between state actors, and a lack of alignment between the governor, MDE, and SBE — all of which is hindering educational progress."
Jacob concludes: "The reforms we outline are ambitious and require current models, authority structures and ways of doing business to change. This is intentional. The status quo is failing Michigan’s children. We shouldn’t stand for Michigan 4th graders ranking 44th nationally in reading. Now is the time for stakeholders across the political spectrum to come together around meaningful education reform."
Read Brian Jacob's opinion in Bridge Michigan.
Read the report: K-12 Education Governance in Michigan
