Detroit Free Press: Time to Take Action to Fix Charter Schools in Michigan (guest column)

By Harrison Blackmond The Free Press’ recent investigation into Michigan’s charter schools brought to the forefront what we in the education community have been talking about for years: accountability, oversight and quality. The Free Press unearthed some chilling facts about the state of education in Michigan, and it’s time to take action to address what

I'm a Democrat, a DFER, a strong supporter of collective bargaining

By Harrison Blackmond, DFER-MI State Director It’s easy to get caught up in the debate happening across the country between teachers unions and education reformers when it comes to enacting changes to our education system. But while these often contentious conversations might suggest to some that one cannot be a strong supporter of collective bargaining

RELEASE: Democrats for Education Reform Michigan Commends State Senate for Reinstating Funding for Common Core State Standards Implementation

Contact: Devin Boyle | 202.445.0416 | Devin@dfer.org Harrison Blackmond | 248.229.4157 | Harrison@dfer.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Democrats for Education Reform Michigan Commends State Senate for Reinstating Funding for Common Core State Standards Implementation Lansing, Michigan, October 24th, 2013 – Democrats for Education Reform Michigan (DFER-MI) released the following statement by State Director Harrison Blackmond commending

MI House Approves Resolution Enabling Continued Funding of Common Core

Michigan House Approves Resolution Enabling Continued Funding of Common Core The Michigan House approved a resolution today that would enable further state spending on the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The resolution, which passed by a vote of 85-21 will, now move to the Michigan Senate for approval. Director of Democrats for Education

Michigan Democrats Strongly Support Common Core and Smarter Balanced Assessment

By Harrison Blackmond, DFER-MI State Director On Thursday, September 19, 2013, Democrats in the Michigan Senate offered an amendment to a supplemental spending bill that would eliminate a budget provision banning the State Department of Education from spending state funds to implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) test.

Michiganders Support Common Core and Restoration of Funds for Implementation According to New Education Trust Poll

The Education Trust – Midwest released the results of a poll of Michigan voters today demonstrating overwhelming bi-partisan support for the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the restoration of funding for CCSS that was blocked by Michigan lawmakers earlier this summer. The poll shows 74% of Democrats and 72% of Republicans support

Michigan Live: Opinion: Why do Some Republicans Revile Common Core? The Answer: Politics

By Harrison Blackmond By this time, most people in Michigan and across the country are probably familiar with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the new academic standards adopted by 45 states. In Michigan, where we have already adopted CCSS, many may have also heard about the legislature’s recent decision to block funding for implementation.

Will Michigan change its mind on education standards?

By Lori Higgins (From the Detroit Free Press, July 15, 2013) Michigan’s adoption of the Common Core State Standards, a set of learning goals embraced by 44 other states in the nation, should have been a slam dunk given the widespread support that exists in the state. But the standards, which for the first time

Common Core: A Truly Shared Vision

By Harrison Blackmond, DFER MI State Director In an unprecedented display of unity, business leaders, educators, and advocates have come together today to support the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Michigan. The standards, which will ensure Michigan’s children are prepared to compete in a global economy, are set to go into effect

RELEASE: DFER MI Warns Newly Introduced Legislation to Withdraw Michigan from Common Core Standards Will Harm Students

Contact:  Devin Boyle | 202.445.0416 | Devin@dfer.org Harrison Blackmond | 248.229.4157 | Harrison@dfer.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Democrats for Education Reform Warns Newly Introduced Legislation to Withdraw Michigan from Common Core Standards Will Harm Students Lansing, Mich. March 18th, 2013 – Democrats for Education Reform Michigan (DFER MI) released the following statement by State Director Harrison