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PTA responds to 'below the belt' attack by Proposal 2 opponents

Posted on 10/30/12 at 11:28am

The Michigan PTA is slamming back against accusations that it violated its tax-exempt status when it endorsed Proposal 2 to protect collective bargaining and the voices of working families.
In its continued misleading and unfounded attacks to defeat Proposal 2, Protecting Michigan Taxpayers filed a complaint with the IRS accusing the group of using dues dollars to advocate for a specific vote on a specific ballot issue. They’re asking that taxes and fines be levied against the group of parents that advocates for children and public education.
The PTA has made no financial contribution to the Proposal 2 campaign and as a 501 (c)(3) organization, they’re allowed to take positions on policy issues like collective bargaining.
“Implications by Protecting Michigan Taxpayers that the Michigan PTA is funding a political campaign and operating in a manner inconsistent with non-profit law are both false and reprehensible,” said Sandra York, Michigan PTA Executive Director. “This is simply a bullying and harassment tactic, something Michigan PTA strongly advocates against.”

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Be responsible; get informed before Nov. 6

Posted on 10/19/12 at 8:37am

With all of the misleading ads, scare tactics and outright lies flooding our TV stations and mailboxes, it's good to know that there are honest and reliable sources of information about the six ballot proposals voters will be deciding in November.

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Some schools object to 'Focus School' label

Posted on 10/29/12 at 1:39pm

Being labeled a "Focus School by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is causing pushback from some schools. They claim they're being unfairly labeled as bad and are being forced to spend unnecessary money.

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CEOs return in new MEA Web video

Posted on 10/09/12 at 10:36am

Today, MEA is launching an online video sequel to the popular 2011 “Kids not CEOs.” The infamous CEOs are back again in this new video—this time going up against middle-school football players in a lopsided gridiron matchup. Take a look at www.kidsnotceos.com.

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New charters don't meet quality standards

Posted on 10/29/12 at 1:40pm

Legislation this year opened the door to the establishment of more charter schools. This fall, 31 new charters opened. Unfortunately, six of the 31 new schools are managed by operators who didn't meet the state's average for low-income students, according to a report by Education Trust-Midwest. Mosaica, Leona Group, Edtec Central, Education Management and Networks, Solid Rock Management Company and Midwest Management Company manage schools that failed to meet the state's average 33rd percentile on the state's Top to Bottom rankings.

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Get a discount on education items

Posted on 10/29/12 at 1:42pm

SmileMakers is offering education association members up to 50 percent off on products for the classroom and home, including season-themed gifts and motivational awards. By using the special promo code on the flyer, you can receive up to 50 percent off and free shipping on all orders of $25 or more. SmileMakers is an online teacher store and a partner of NEA Member Benefits specializing in innovative education products.

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Merit Curriculum affecting graduation rates

Posted on 10/29/12 at 1:37pm

Stricter graduation requirements established under the Michigan Merit Curriculum have led to fewer students graduating, according to a study by the Michigan Consortium for Educational Research. The Consortium is a partnership between the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and the state of Michigan.

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