If Lansing School Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul has her way, students, faculty and staff returning to Eastern High School are in for a year of “seismic change.” Recent test scores put Eastern among the bottom 5% of Michigan schools in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. District leaders fear a state takeover unless scores improve.In an effort to turn Eastern around, the district has launched a series of reforms this school year. A “governance board” is charged with overseeing the school. It will report directly to the Superintendent. Other reforms include stricter teacher evaluations, a longer school day and a commitment to the reforms, which all staff must sign.
How do Eastern families feel about the changes? To find out, Current State speaks with two Quaker parents. Michelle Jen is the mother of an Eastern freshman and is secretary of Eastern’s Parent Teacher Student Association. Curtis Smith is the father of an Eastern senior, is president of the PTSA and serves on the Eastern governance board.