So, obviously, the recession reaches all layers of life, including schools. But, how has it impacted education and the system? In a New York Times article the obvious is stated: poor school students perform worse than richer/better funded school students. And, those aren't the only disparities. From the article:
In New York City, an analysis of 2007 federal test scores for fourth graders showed strikingly stratified achievement levels: While 6 percent of white students in city schools scored below a base achievement level on math, 31 percent of black students and 26 percent of Hispanic students did. In reading, 48 percent of black students and 49 percent of Hispanic students failed to reach that base level, but 19 percent of white students did.
In other news, don't forget that next year is head count year. That's right, the 2010 census is right around the corner. Though the changes haven't been counted yet, organizations such as Stateline.org have already speculated on what's going to happen. For Michigan, it seems like we're going to lose house seats because of our population exodus.
Also according to Stateline, the nation is having issues with its tuition programs. Currently, Michigan is one of 19 states that has a prepaid tuition plan. From the site:
Prepaid tuition plans vary, but most are set up so parents or grandparents pay today’s prices for tuition and fees instead of the higher costs in the year their child goes to a state school. Those discounted costs are paid as a lump sum or over time through monthly payments that are deposited into a state-managed investment fund. When the child is ready to attend a state college, the tuition and fees are paid from the fund.
[Check out their whole series on tracking the recession. I highly recommend taking a longer look at it for anyone interested!]
If you're one of the unemployed, chances are you've had to jump through the hoops of jobless claims. The good news is that the state might get a stimulus grant to help replace the 25-year old system, according to a Lansing State Journal article. From the article:
During a meeting today of the state House Economic Development Appropriations subcommittee, Stephen Geskey, the director of the Michigan Unemployment Agency, said a new computer system would have helped the agency deal with skyrocketing numbers of jobless claims in recent months and avoid delays in processing appeals of benefit determinations.
In related news, Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Monday signed legislation that provides unemployed Michigan workers with up to seven additional weeks of benefits. (from a DailyReporter.com article.)
Michigan still has the highest unemployment rate with 12.6 percent. To give the reader some perspective, the state unemployment rate for March 2008 was 7.6 percent (from a CM Life article). Still nowhere near the great depression rates , the state's economy is still suffering.
What does Governor Granholm have to say about the issue? Diversity is the key, according to ConnectedMichigan.com article. From the article:
“By supporting our workers today and diversifying our economy for tomorrow, we are moving in a determined fashion day-to-day to shape the next Michigan,” Granholm said.
Finally, are you unemployed and worried about your health insurance costs? Check out this website. The catch, you have to be from Traverse City, and you have to pay 30.00. But, still, put the word out if you know anyone interested.
It's good to be back.
Comments? Questions? Stories?
Feel free to leave a comment below or e-mail me at whipp1re@cmich.edu
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