LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Republicans in Lansing are not backing down from what they say is education failure in Michigan, and they are promoting a plan they hope will turn the tide.

What is the plan?

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) recently introduced legislation as part of a broader education reform plan aimed at helping Michigan students succeed in school and after they graduate.

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“Michigan schools are not where they need to be,” Schmaltz said. “Too many kids are falling behind in reading, math, and basic life skills, and the current system isn’t setting them up for success. We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. We are failing our kids.”

Why now?

Schmaltz said her plan focuses on helping students, their parents, and teachers through a wide-ranging policy strategy. The plan focuses on school safety, different post-high school career paths, and the recruitment and retention of good teachers.

“Recent assessment results showed how severely students are struggling with the basics. Three out of five Michigan third graders aren’t proficient in reading and language arts, and seven out of 10 Michigan sixth graders aren’t proficient in math.”

The GOP lays blame at the feet of Democrats and Gov. Whitmer.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the most recent education budget which passed the Michigan Legislature along Democratic party lines. Despite Whitmer’s claims to the contrary, the budget provided no increase to core student funding and eliminated 92% of funding for school safety and mental health, which amounted to $300 million in cuts. That move resulted in harsh criticism from Whitmer’s fiercest allies in the education profession.  Rep. Schmaltz’s plan would restore the safety funding.

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.