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School Reform Office explains school closure system to education committee

wikipedia

As Michigan lawmakers continue to examine new methods for holding schools accountable, the State School Reform office is defending its current system.

   The Senate education committee held another meeting on a bill that would repeal the law allowing the state to close consistently low performing schools.

Superintendents and parents previously criticized the office for not being involved enough in the schools and for not having clear and consistent ways for measuring progress.

State School Reform Officer Natasha Baker says the office isn’t perfect, but they are able to be transparent with districts in ways they haven’t been before.

But if lawmakers do repeal and replace the current school closure law, there are some changes Baker would like to see.

“I would like for the State of Michigan to clearly define what they – what we see as high performing. Growth is not enough. Kids have to be able to be proficient, however we define that.”

  

   There is still no word on when the Senate committee will move the legislation out of committee.