Pre K - 12 & PSRP Public Education Issues Platform
The Issue We can all agree that MichiganÕs children deserve highly skilled teachers and support staff and first-rate instructional materials to optimize achievement and provide a quality education. But, of equal importance, they deserve modern, safe and well-equipped schools with up-to-date technology. A 1999 study by the U.S. Department of Education found that 77 percent of public schools 35 years old or more and 61 percent of schools 15 to 34 years old, were in less than adequate condition. Clearly the problem has gotten worse since then. By eliminating overcrowded and crumbling buildings, not only will learning conditions but also working conditions be enhanced, allowing school districts to attract and retain highly skilled teachers and staff in areas where it was not otherwise possible. Decaying buildings, poor ventilation and overflowing schools neither promote high standards nor improve student achievement. Action Steps To address school infrastructure problems in Michigan, we encourage elected officials to support:
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