Rick Snyder: Provide Michigan education that's 'more than academics'

Former Gov. Rick Snyder testified in support of bills aimed at increasing student engagement and school district flexibility
One bill sponsor says too many high school graduates are leaving school without a plan
The bills are among several efforts to give students skills experts say are needed in the workforce

What do Republican Former Gov. Rick Snyder, several school district leaders and the Michigan Department of Education all have in common? They support letting local school districts provide non-traditional ways for students to earn their high school diplomas.

Under a bipartisan proposal, school districts could offer “public innovative programs” that include internships, career and technical education and apprenticeships.

Districts would need support from their local teachers union, and the state would waive certain curriculum and calendar requirements.

“The world that we’re going into is going to be more than academics,” Snyder told the House Education and Workforce committee Wednesday. “It’s going to be about critical thinking, it’s going to be about teamwork, it’s going to be about communications and academics.”

Snyder is supporting House Bill 5983 and 5984. Proponents say the bills would give school districts more flexibility and students more engaging opportunities during the school day.

School districts already offer career and technical education, dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. But bill proponents say the state can do more to ensure school districts are being creative, engaging students and helping students have strong career skills when they graduate.

The discussion comes at a time where fewer high school graduates are going off to college. Leaders have poured millions into student scholarships and worked to create a culture where students are encouraged to get some sort of training after high school.

“Michigan’s public schools are graduating far too many students who never go on to higher education, but also don’t learn a trade, vocation or join our armed forces, despite a high demand for many professions,” said Rep. Nancy DeBoer, R-Holland, who is co-sponsoring the bills.

Michigan’s high-school graduation rate reached a new high last year, but test scores indicate only 27% of students are ready for college.

The bills discussed Wednesday are among multiple efforts to revamp the school experience in Michigan.

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Snyder shouted out the Future of Learning Council, a group of superintendents across the state who advocate for a more personalized curriculum. In addition, Launch Michigan, a bipartisan group of business and labor groups, is pushing for students to demonstrate mastery of skills, not just that they have attended class and passed.

State Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth, said he supports the “intent” of the bills but “equity is a concern.”

He asked how school districts that struggle to pass bonds or have high staff turnover can participate.

“Let’s assume Birmingham has certain resources that allow them to take advantage of this and prove that something really works well, but Ypsilanti can’t afford it,” said Doug Ross, a former state lawmaker and founder of a charter school. “Well, if we know something that works much better, that’s something we ought to invest in, rather than saying ‘Birmingham: Don’t learn how to use this to improve students.’”

A woman poses on a sidewalk — Rebecca Hutchinson, superintendent of Concord Community Schools, said her students in the hydroponics and plant science program are ‘feeding the masses, but learning so deeply and so richly.’ (Josh Boland for Bridge Michigan)

Superintendents from Ypsilanti Community Schools, Concord Community Schools and Lake City Area Schools testified in support of the bills. The Michigan Department of Education submitted a card indicating support for the bills as well.

“These bills allow schools to move beyond this compliance-based system and towards systems where students build meaningful skills, earn valuable credentials and develop agency and efficacy that they need to thrive in the future that they design for themselves,” said Concord Superintendent Rebecca Hutchinson.

Snyder cited Concord’s hydroponics plants program and culinary program in Anchor Bay.

“These kids are learning biology by actually growing the salads for the cafeteria. That’s real learning. And these kids are excited. I’ve never seen so many kids excited about biology in a long time, folks,” Snyder said.

The committee did not vote on the bills Wednesday.

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