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06/02/2007'A matter of national urgency'MACKINAC ISLAND — Public education needs to utilize good business practices to help students prepare for the new world economy, according to research from both ends of the political spectrum. A study commissioned by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a progressive Washington think tank said Michigan schools rank in the middle of the pack in K-12 public education effectiveness. The study ranked public schools in all 50 states in nine areas that included academic achievement, minority and low-income student performance, graduation standards and data collection. The report was presented at this week's Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. The study said major changes are needed throughout the country to better prepare students for the 21st century economy as U.S. students lag behind many of the world's developed countries in critical areas, including science and math education. "Education is a matter of critical national urgency,” said Arthur Rothkopf, a senior vice president for the U.S. Chamber and a former college president. "Our conclusion is all states have a great deal of room to improve.” John Podesta, a former White House chief of staff under President Bill Clinton, is president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, a nonprofit organization that co-authored the study. Podesta said his group doesn't agree with the U.S. Chamber on most public policy issues, but the two organizations are united in a push for education reform. "Students deserve it, parents are demanding it and businesses need it,” Podesta said. The center rates Michigan's public education as "mediocre” in several evaluation areas, including test scores for low-income and minority students, accurate reporting of proficiency data and readiness for post-high school education. The state received higher ratings in teacher training and management and policy-making. Both speakers called on public schools to better utilize business practices to improve public education by giving more budget and personnel authority to school administrators, better collection and analysis of student performance data and improved teacher training. They also favored expanded instruction time for students. Locally, school officials said they're trying to implement those changes and develop a stronger working relationship with the region's business community. Mike Hill, superintendent with the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District, said the district created a data center where educators can track student performance. "We know that assessment is very, very important,” Hill said. The ISD also has a mentoring program for young teachers and is working on development of learning centers around the community where students can continue studies after school or during summer months. "Our students should be able to go home or somewhere else in the community to continue their learning,” Hill said.
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