November 10 Michigan State Board of Education (SBE) will continue to discuss the social studies standards but the draft science standards are an “action item” for “approval. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the science standards that we articulated here and have not received any reply.
The people of the state of Michigan must receive an answer to the following questions BEFORE the science standards are adopted.
1. What is the cost of the adopting and implementing the new standards for the state and local districts?
2. Who owns the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) we are adopting?
3. Can data codes be modified and who has the authority to change them?
The Michigan Constitution REQUIRES that the SBE inform the legislature of the costs Article 8 Section 3 states that the State Board shall serve as the “serve as the general planning and coordinating body for all public education, including higher education, and shall advise the legislature as to the financial requirements in connection therewith.”
Further, according to the MDE FAQ “Currently, there are no known commercially available assessments that are fully aligned to the
proposed standards.” Why rush the adoption when assessments to meet them are not even available?
The pending decision of the board to approve the science standards is hasty and without the necessary checks and balances required by our Constitution. We cannot allow these standards to be adopted. If you thought Common Core Math and ELA were a headache just wait until they add in science and social studies.
The November 10 meeting is a MUST attend event for anyone who does NOT want Michigan to lose our ability to determine what our children are taught in Michigan schools. The State Board of Education is an ELECTED body. “We the people” must demand that our voice be heard loud and clear over the drones of special interests.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Ladislaus B. Dombrowski Board Room
Fourth Floor, John A. Hannah Building
608 West Allegan
Lansing, Michigan
November 10
9:30 AM
We will post more information in the coming days but please put this meeting your schedule.
Contact your Michigan House and Senate Representatives and ask them if they have been informed of the costs required for the implementation of the new science standards and assessments. House contact information is here. Senate contact information is here
Contact the members of the State Board of Education and let them know you OPPOSE the adoption of the draft science and social studies standards.