This is speaking from the personal experiences of a high school student and also quoting some of an editorial from Tom Watkins, a former state superintendent with the State of Michigan.

• Eliminate the senior year of high school

Seriously, ask any single senior in high school. There may be some taking one or two AP classes but most seniors are actually in their easiest year! They take classes such as “Personal Power” and “Successful Relationships” which add questionable value to their schedule. Most students take the easiest classes possible simply to get by though the year. While there are some students who will try their hardest this year, many simply do not meet the bar. The state spends over 1 billion dollars on educating people in this grade level alone, why not take some of that money and send it to our wonderful community/general college programs. Give kids a leg up and a step ahead in the right direction.

Another great idea would to be to integrate more technology into our schools. Especially in some schools, we have computer monitors that are pushing ten years. While one may argue for trying to be as frugal as possible, this is just leaving us to the possibility of fire hazards and energy issues. Many stories have been published about the great benefits of iPod’s, laptops and other electronic methods of learning in other states. Why have they not yet come to Michigan? The blame is squarely to blame on the voters themselves. All for the sake of not having to pay the taxes to support a great education. Even if we could levy a small tax of $10 or $20 a household per year, new electronic learning possibilities could open that allow staff costs to be reduced and many children to graduate on an accelerated schedule.

HOLD TEACHERS ACCOUNTABLE

This is going to be a major point of arguing, but it is necessary. Some teachers simply do not belong in their positions, no matter how much retraining or assistance that they get. They need to find a new profession. These include the teachers who show movies, are unable to teach, act like they are God after they receive tenure. Teachers are there to assist students, and many do a great job at it! However, for those who do not, they need to get out and now. Sadly, Michigan educators have not been held to the tough restrictions that they should be. Many have been allowed to skate because of legalities and not wanting to “infringe” upon themselves. There is nothing wrong with protection for those who are being accused, but where is the protection for the children who need the teachers that are great at their jobs?