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The U.S. Supreme Court approved the spending of federal money for computers in religious schools. Because the decision allows public money to flow indirectly to religious schools, the 6-3 decision may shed light on how the Court would rule on publicly funded vouchers. See related story.
The National Education Association approved a $7 million dues increase at its July meeting to wage political battles in various states, including Michigan. Each of the NEA's more than 2 million members will be required to pay an additional $5 in dues to fight school choice efforts throughout the nation.
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Competition spurs public schools in Michigan to improve, says a recently released report. The report includes case studies of how public school districts in Michigan's most populous county are responding to competition from charter schools and public "schools-of-choice." See related story.
New York City privatizes its worst public schools. By fall 2001, Schools Chancellor Harold O. Levy hopes to convert roughly 50 struggling public schools into charter schools to be managed by private companies or nonprofit agencies. Seven charter schools converted from public schools opened this fall, joining the city's existing eight charter schools.
Michigan businesses and institutions of higher learning spend over $600 million to teach basic skills to high school graduates. A recent report from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy reveals the economic cost of having to provide post-secondary remedial education, but notes that the human cost is incalculably higher. Community forums to discuss the report's findings are being held throughout the state. For more information, visit the Mackinac Center's Web site at www.mackinac.org.
