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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Can Michigan Learn From Schools in Other States?

WMUK

Bridge has taken a look at other states where test scores show high, or fast growing, student achievement.  

The online news service of the Center for Michigan wanted to see if Michigan could learn from what those states have done. Bridge Senior Writer Ron French told WMUK's Gordon Evans that they visited Minnesota, Tennessee, Massachusetts and Florida. 

Minnesota's efforts have focused on early childhood education. French says the state has also funneled more money to schools with a high proportion of lower-income students. Minnesota has a lower unemployment rate than Michigan. French says many experts believe that investment in education has helped the economy. He says that's similar to the strategy used in Massachusetts. French says Minnesota's lower-income students are performing better than Michigan. He says a larger percentage of the population going to college and getting a college degree has helped Minnesota's economy.

Tennessee has been more aggressive in using high-stakes testing to evaluate teachers and students. But French says the tough evaluation system was accompanied by more training for teachers. He says very few teachers have been fired because of the increase in standards. French says the change in culture isn't about the threat of being fired, but is linked to classroom observation and coaching. 

Florida has improved its scores on national standardized tests by putting a heavy emphasis on early age reading skills. French says Florida has also increased staff and provided better preparation for teachers. 

French says there is no one way to improve education. He says different things are working in different states. French says the key is finding political will to make changes and stick with them. He says the changes in various states have happened under leaders of both parties and with input from business, education and other groups. 

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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