Failing Schools Hearings Underway

Former Oakland Schools Superintendent and recent finalist for the Michigan State Board of Education, Vickie Markavitch, told lawmakers Wednesday Intermediate School Districts should be given the responsibility to manage failing schools.

It’s one of many topics covered during an appearance before the Michigan Senate Education Committee, which is looking into the problem of failing schools.

Markavitch says poverty plays a big role in school buildings that fail academically.

She also says education reforms in the U.S. don’t follow what is being done in high performing countries.

She doesn’t support overall spending increases, but does support spending more on school buildings that have challenged students.