Background Issues

We can all agree that Michigan's children deserve great teachers and first-rate instructional materials. In addition, student success depends on healthy, safe, well maintained, and adequately equipped schools.

One of the most recognizable obstacles faced by many educators is school infrastructure. The research is unequivocal: poor school building conditions are a serious threat to the health and academic performance of students (Filardo, 2008). Even the best teachers and support staff cannot help their students succeed in a classroom that lacks necessary teaching tools. Similarly, when students and teachers are distracted by the conflict and blight present in some schools, learning is much more difficult.

Many students come to school with needs that impede their ability to thrive academically. Healthcare, social services, and parental involvement are too often divorced from education discussions, even though they are critical to student success. If we are serious about increasing student learning and closing achievement gaps, we must address factors that are beyond the control of teachers and schools.

What We Need

Community Schools & Wraparound Services: "Community schools" create a culture and environment that nurtures children and their families. There are successful models of community schools in Michigan and across the country where school buildings are open into the evening for tutoring, homework assistance, and recreational activities, as well as housing medical, dental, recreational, counseling and childcare services. Some students, especially those from low-income communities, depend on human services provided at school. Guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers and other support staff are essential to fostering a student's emotional and social growth and ensuring they are ready to learn.

Clear and Comprehensive Codes of Conduct: School communities must adopt clear disciplinary expectations that support student learning and are consistently applied.

Anti-Bullying: All students deserve a safe and secure learning environment. Michigan should pass anti-bullying legislation encouraging districts to implement effective programs.

Positive Learning and Work Environments: Safe, modern, and healthy work environments maximize performance and are essential to attracting and retaining highly qualified educators. Existing buildings should be surveyed and assessed so that they can be improved. School districts - especially those with the greatest needs - need assistance in developing effective school design, renovation and construction programs.

Greening Our Schools: As we build new schools and renovate old ones, we should green our schools by prioritizing energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices.

Meaningful Professional Development: Staff need support in addressing the needs of individual students and fostering a productive learning environment for all students. This requires that staff receive professional development on issues such as classroom management, diversity, and conflict resolution to prepare them for challenging situations.

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