For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Cox: Lift the Charter Cap, Create Tougher Standards, Allow Alternative Teacher Certification and Reform System to Help Our Kids

LIVONIA, MI— Attorney General Mike Cox today called on the Michigan Education Association to embrace immediate education reforms to help children including lifting the cap on charter schools, improving curriculums and expanding alternative teacher certification. “Robert Bobb has made a significant impact on the 86,000 students still trapped in the failed Detroit Public School system, but there is much more to do,” said Cox. “We must remove the cap on charter schools, allow alternative teacher certification and ensure higher curriculum standards are implemented. These reforms and others laid out in my education agenda will help prepare our children for the new economy and a brighter future in Michigan.” The U.S. Department of Education last week rejected giving federal funds to schools in Michigan as a part of the Race to the Top Program. Many critics have cited the Michigan Education Association’s opposition to Race to the Top reforms as a significant factor in the federal government’s rejection of Michigan schools. Even Governor Granholm said she worried the MEA’s opposition contributed to Michigan schools not being selected to participate. Cox also said he was looking forward to the announcement later this week by a group of local foundations expected to unveil a $200 million plan to build 70 new schools for Detroit kids. “Michigan has community leaders, thousands of great teachers and millions of parents who truly care about our children. It’s high time the leadership at the Michigan Education Association embraced true education reform,” stated Cox. “Our kids need our Cox Calls on MEA to Put Kids First, Support Immediate Education Reform schools to improve and the Michigan Education Association needs to get on board with these reforms.” Cox is the only candidate for Governor to release a comprehensive 92 point plan to put Michigan back to work, including proposals to reform education, cut billions of dollars out of the state budget, cut taxes on job providers and families by $2 billion, make government more transparent and revitalize our cities. The plan is available at www.mikecox2010.com.