Today, Rick Snyder released the seventh in a series of reform measures from his Top 10 Guiding Principles to Reinventing Michigan that addresses his plan to reform the state’s educational system and adopt a P-20 model so that students are prepared to compete in a knowledge-based economy.

To view the proposal, click here.

“Michigan’s long-term economic recovery depends heavily on our ability to teach, train and prepare our students. With the Race to the Top reforms, we are taking steps in the right direction, but we must be more aggressive in order to compete in the rapidly changing global economy,” said Snyder. “Our world-class universities, colleges and community colleges have produced some of the brightest minds in the country, but we are not properly preparing far too many students. Our education system should offer our people the opportunity to acquire the skills and the attitude needed to succeed in a knowledge-based economy.”

“Our system has fiscal challenges, but the financial condition of our state should not be a deterrent to improving the quality of education or an excuse for failing schools,” Snyder continued. “We need to adopt an education model that starts with pre-school and continues through higher education. Early education is critical to the proper development of our students and has a positive impact on our state – even saving taxpayer dollars. Michigan must be more innovative in how we teach our students. We need to collect the data necessary for smart decision making about how funding is allocated and give parents a clear understanding of how schools are performing.”

“Michigan’s reinvention and economic transformation can’t be accomplished without focusing on educating the next generation of great minds. As Governor, I will do everything within my power to ensure that Michigan’s children have the best possible preparation and education for life that enables them to compete and innovate in tomorrow’s global and knowledge-based economy.”

To read Rick’s full proposal, please click here.