By AP
Lansing, MI – Lansing, MI (AP)
Chronically failing schools would be supervised by a state-appointed turnaround specialist under terms of legislation introduced by two Michigan House Democrats.
Schools would be considered failing if a large majority of students don't meet proficiency requirements on standardized math and English tests. Schools also would have to fail to meet federal No Child Left Behind standards for four straight years.
According to one of the bill's sponsors an estimated 34 Michigan schools would fall into that category as of last year.
Most of them are high schools in urban areas including Detroit.
So-called "turnaround schools" that are much like charter schools would be set up near failing schools to give families a choice while improvements are made.