LANSING – In an effort to improve schools across Michigan,State Representative Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit) introduced a plan that will allow the State Superintendent to reduce class sizes in underperforming elementary schools.
"Our children in Detroit and across the state need a high-quality education to be prepared to compete in today's global economy," Jackson said. "We need to be opening the doors of opportunity for our children, not shutting them and giving up on our kids. There are a number of schools out there that need help, and my plan will ensure schools that may not be performing to the best of their ability can still give our students a quality education."
Under Jackson's plan, the State Superintendent would be able to reduce class sizes for kindergarten through third grade at an underperforming elementary school by setting the maximum number of students per classroom at 17.
The superintendent would only consider reducing class sizes if a school has been unaccredited for three consecutive years, or if it has failed to meet federal pupil performance standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act for four or more consecutive years.
"The early years of education are crucial to the development of successful students," Jackson said. "The first few years of elementary school lay the foundations that our students need to continue building on their successes in school. By reducing class sizes, we can give students more of the individual attention they need to grow in the classroom and later in life."