Now more than ever, Michigan’s economic future is closely tied to the education of its workforce. Good paying jobs increasingly require more education and the jobs will go where educated workers can be found. We have to make sure our children leave the 12th grade ready to advance with a solid foundation of education in reading, math and science no matter whether they choose to enter the workforce or continue their education.
The Common Core State Standards offer a useful ruler for schools as they work to ensure students are career- and college- ready when they leave high school. The Common Core does not prevent schools or states from teaching in innovative, individualized ways. Michigan still gets to decide the curriculum that should be taught and teachers get to decide how to teach. It helps schools, students and parents know how our students are doing against what will be expected of them once they leave school and if they are keeping up with their peers.
Business Leaders for Michigan supports Common Core State Standards. We believe they will help ensure that all Michigan children have the skills to succeed after high school and have a bright economic future in Michigan.