Why I am running for the Democratic Party nomination for State Board of Education

In 2002 I ran to bring the voices of students, families, and teachers to the Board table. It was my observation over many years of advocating the rights of students and families, that these voices were not heard to the same degree as those of school board members, administrators, and academics. In the term ending January 1, 2011, working collaboratively with my colleagues on the State Board and at the Department of Education, I accomplished most of the items in my plan for Board service. There is today a greater emphasis on inclusion of diverse students (Universal Education: Vision and Principles was adopted in October 2005 as the framework and foundation for State Board policy development). Professional development to enable teachers to meet the unique learning needs of diverse students is encouraged (new Professionanl Standards for Pre-School and K-12 teachers all grades, all subjects). Standards for accreditation of teacher preparation programs at Michigan's colleges and universities have been raised. Laptops have replaced reams of paper documents for State Board meetings and the use of educational technology in schools is growing. Addition of the Teacher of the Year to the Board table has changed the conversstion and enriched policy direction.
I am running now because I believe we still do not have sufficient student input to education policy. Policy is best  when it is informed by the people it affects. I visit schools and talk with students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. They have ideas for instructional strategies that are cutting edge and would, if implemented, purposefully engage more young people in learning. As somone who has trained thousands of professional mental health workers in Michigan and many thousand more advocates, service providers, public officials, and students in 24 countries, I believe it is important to set tasks, ask questions and give students real work to do in solving the problems and answering the questions. The skills needed in the 21st century are critical thinking, problem solving and team work. It is time to include students on the policy direction team where they can develop these skills and make a difference.

There are other pressing issues, Many are outlined in the State Board's document on reforms, restructuring revenues. Check them out at www.michigan.gov/sbe.  I will be discussing them in future blogs.