Up North Progressive
Politics and commentary for Northern MichiganBlog Archives
The Things You Find on the Side of the Road and Castlebond No More
Monday , 12, October 2015 Gateway To Success Academy, Section 16 2 CommentsAutumn is a season of changes. The days grow cooler, the leaves change color, and everyone prepares for the coming winter. On rare days when the air is clear and the weather is still pleasant, a drive along country roads to enjoy the color, stop at a farmer’s market to buy pumpkins, apples and fresh […]
State Superintendent Brian Whiston Wants Public Input On How To Make Michigan Public Education Rank in the Top Ten Nationwide in Ten Years: You Know What To Do
Wednesday , 23, September 2015 Section 16 4 CommentsMichigan’s new superintendent, Brian Whiston, once again is asking for public comment on how to improve Michigan’s public schools. This time he needs input because: State Supt. Brian Whiston is seeking input on making Michigan a Top 10 education state over the next ten years. In the Superintendent’s ‘Back to School’ podcast, he announced that […]
The Consequences of Voting For People With An ‘R’ Next To Their Name
Thursday , 20, August 2015 Section 16 Leave a commentThis is why it’s really important to take the time to answer that survey posted to this blog earlier this week. Religious fundamentalists, tea party morons and corporate interests certainly will make sure their voices are heard, then Michigan’s children will be taught things like the Civil War had nothing to do with slavery, the […]
Michigan Department of Education Would Like Feedback From the Public For Their New Science and Social Studies Content Standards
Wednesday , 19, August 2015 Section 16 1 CommentThe Michigan Department of Education updated the content standards for social studies and science, and they invite the public to comment on the proposed updates for Michigan’s K-12 public schools. People can fill out an online survey and attend public information sessions scheduled throughout the state. Michigan’s new State Superintendent, Brian Whiston, had this to […]
Michigan Department of Education Provides Online M-STEP Surveys: You Know What To Do
Wednesday , 10, June 2015 Section 16 4 CommentsM-STEP testing is finally over in the state of Michigan. After 8 non-stop weeks of computer breakdowns, network downtime, teachers frantically searching for windows of time when the computer lab wasn’t being used for more testing, and frustrated school superintendents writing emotional letters to elected politicians, teachers looked at what little time was left for […]
Grand Traverse Academy School Board Needs To Share The Felon’s Responsibility: The Continuing Story of Dr. Steve Ingersoll
Sunday , 26, April 2015 Dr. Ingersoll, Section 16 4 CommentsOn March 10, 2015, Steve Ingersoll was convicted in a federal district court on three out of six counts of felony fraud. What’s been happening since then? A lot. The intrepid Miss. Fortune has all the wonderfully dirty details. Steve Ingersoll wants a new trial because he’s still pretty sure charter schools are banks. Also, […]
Before Michigan’s public school children left for Spring Break, State Superintendent Mike Flanagan sent out a letter to all parents informing them of the new standardized test their children would take when they came back from vacation. M-STEP testing will begin next week for grades three through eight, and juniors in high school. Unlike the […]
Michigan Department of Education Awards Three-Year Contract To Two Companies For M-STEP
Thursday , 26, March 2015 Section 16 Leave a commentToday Superintendent of Education Mike Flanagan announced that two companies were awarded contracts for administering the new standardized assessment for Michigan’s public schools, known as M-STEP. The companies are Data Recognition Corporation and Measurement Incorporated. The Michigan Department of Education and Department of Technology, Management and Budget awarded the contracts together. The three-year contract will […]
An Open Letter To Our New State Superintendent of Education Brian Whiston
Sunday , 22, March 2015 Section 16 5 CommentsCongratulations on being selected for the important position of State Superintendent of Education. You have entered into a position where there are many old and new challenges to face. Public education in Michigan faces constant attacks from both the state and corporate education reformers, often working together to take our schools out of the hands […]
Why You Need To Opt Out Your Children From Standardized Testing NOW: @Pearson Is Spying On Your Kids
Saturday , 14, March 2015 Section 16 5 CommentsIn the Hell on Earth that has come to be corporate education reform in the United States, the reality of Common Core came to a head in New Jersey yesterday when it was revealed by the Superintendent of The Wachtung Hills Regional High School District that Pearson Education had triggered an alert that there was […]