My GHEA Rocks!

MME scores report some good news, some not-so-good news

Posted on 07/02/12 at 3:08pm

Michigan high school students generally improved over last year in most subject areas of the Michigan Merit Exam (MME)--but if you recalculate previous scores according to our new scoring system--achievement is still low.

The state Department of Education (MDE) adopted the new scoring system in 2010 to better gauge if students are ready for college and careers. Despite the higher cut scores to determine proficiency, most high school juniors scored "proficient" in math, reading, writing and science. The MDE sees the improvement in the latest test scores as a result of the new scoring system.

Students also scored slightly better on the ACT college-entrance exam which is a part of the MME. The composite mean ACT score was 19.6 for 2012, up from 19.4 in 2011.

However, the scores do show a disturbing trend. A significant achievement gaps still exists for minority and low-income students with many leaving high school unprepared for college.

Little help for schools in new budget

Posted on 06/28/12 at 11:11am

Gov. Snyder signed into law the 2012-13 $48 billion budget this week. The new budget year begins Oct. 1. 

Read More

Michigan NEA RA delegates in D.C. this week

Posted on 07/02/12 at 3:31pm

The National Education Association Representative Assembly (NEA RA) in Washington, D.C. has been in full swing since last week with groups such as the National Council of Urban Education Association, NEA-Retired and NEA Student Leadership holding meetings.

Read More

Michigan loses out again in NCLB waiver request

Posted on 07/02/12 at 3:33pm

Five more states are getting waivers to No Child Left Behind's mandate--Michigan isn't one of them. Arkansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Virginia and Utah join 19 other states that won't have to meet the law's requirement that all students are proficient in math and reading by 2014.

Read More

Detroit EM imposes teacher contract

Posted on 07/02/12 at 3:34pm

Roy Roberts, the state-appointed Emergency Manager for the Detroit public schools, has imposed a contract on teachers. According to PA 4, the Emergency Manager has the power to void current contracts and make changes to working conditions. Details of the new contract won't be available until AFT Michigan meets with its members.

Read More