Gov. Snyder hopes to hear public discussion about proposals to overhaul public education in Michigan. The ideas are from a special commission.
The 21st Century Education Commission worked for more than a year on how to revamp education.
Among the findings:
Abolish grades. Advance students when they know the subject.
Free community college.
Universal access to pre-school for all 4 year olds.
The needs are clear.
The commission says black fourth graders in Michigan have the lowest reading performance in the country.
And students from higher income districts rank 48th among their peers.
Among the goals: at least 75 percent of students to get a college degree or formal skills training. And, student scoring in the top 10 in performance among all the states.
One recommendation gives the governor power to appoint the state school board, and much more authority over education. Snyder points out proposals would take effect after he leaves office.