It is becoming very clear that adopting Common Core is about a whole lot more than just a ‘higher standard” for Michigan students but was the catalyst to a fundamental transformation in education in our state and the country. One aspect of the transformation that is relatively unknown to most people is how data relates […]
Author: Karen Braun
Karen Braun is a writer and conference speaker on issues related education and family life. Her work has appeared in the American Thinker, Crosswalk, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, WatchDog Wire, and various other websites and magazines. She has also appeared on TV and radio venues. Along with blogging, Karen also enjoys homeschooling, running marathons, and spending time with her husband, their six children, and two grand children. For more information please contact Karen at spunkyhomeschool at gmail dot com
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Announcing Freedom to Learn Event
ANNOUNCING – A STOP Common Core / FREEDOM TO LEARN EVENT WEDNESDAY September 30, 2015 in Lansing. 2:00-4:00 Visit your Rep/Senator. Message to include: – Repeal Common Core – Respect Parent opt out – Too much testing – Stop Science & Social Studies standards STOP P-20 Human Capital Workforce Development Other topics welcome. HOT SHEETS […]
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SBE Member Eileen Weiser Responds
After the September 1 Michigan Department of Education information session in Detroit, I wrote about a conversation Northville parent Tamara Carlone had with State Board of Education member Eileen Wieser. After the event, Carlone showed Weiser numerous factual errors in the draft of the Social Studies Standards. For instance, stating we are a “constitutional democracy” […]
Pop Quiz: 1. Which organization partnered with Achieve, the NGA, and the CCSSO to create Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Michigan adopted in 2010? 2. Which organization hired David Coleman, the lead architect of CCSS, as President in 2012? 3. Which organization partnered with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to create a STEM credential? […]
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STEM Legislation Update
ACTION ITEM on SB 169/170 and HB 4284/4285. Legislation to credential students for STEM career pathway. ==> Call House Education Committee Chair Amanda Price (517-373-0838) and tell her bills affecting education should be discussed in the Education Committee not moved out to a more favorable committee to get quick passage.. This Thursday the House Education […]
The Michigan Department of Education is holding information sessions allegedly to get public feedback on the new science and social studies standards. However, according to parents who attended the meeting in Detroit on Sept. 1 there was little opportunity for public input. Northville parent Tamara Carlone attended the session held at the Detroit Science Center […]
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What’s the rush MDE?
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) released a draft of the new Michigan Science and Social Studies standards in August. The MDE also announced a series of information sessions that would take place around the state between August 26 through September 30. (Complete schedule available here.) The stated goal is for the public to provide […]
There are two very important updates for immediate action. Michigan is considering adopting new science and social studies standards. The Michigan Department of Education wants national common science (NGSS) and social studies standards (C3) to accompany the already adopted common core standards in math and English.They have tried this before and we have pushed them […]
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STEM Bill Shenanigans
Last November, State Senator Proos and Representative Amanda Price introduced a set of STEM credential bills which would make Michigan the “first state” to certify a high school transcript/diploma for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) in the country. We oppose the bills (SB 169/170 and HB 4284/4285). The STEM credential, lobbied for by the […]
Good news parents! You do not need to be bullied by your school principal or staff because you rightly chose to refuse the M-STEP. Just tell them you are following the advice of State Board of Education President John Austin to skip the test. Shanna (last name withheld), a mom with a fourth grade son, […]