State School Superintendent Speaks To Lawmakers

Incoming Michigan School Superintendent Brian Whiston told legislators in Lansing Wednesday that “there will be a plan” to put Michigan’s education system in the top ten.

Whiston appeared before a joint meeting of several education related committees.

He told lawmakers that Michigan “owes it to students” to come up with an evaluation system for teachers, administrators and students. He also says to fix under-performing schools in Detroit and elsewhere they have to fix what is in the classroom.

Whiston says he doesn’t really want teachers who simply lecture in the classroom, instead he favors teachers who can work well in small groups and engage students better.

As for home schooling, Whiston believes “someone should be keeping track” to make sure those students are receiving an education, but he doesn’t necessarily believe that should be the state’s job.