Gail Burrill is a Mathematics Specialist in the Program in Mathematics Education at Michigan State University. She previously served as secondary teacher and department chair. She was President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is currently President of the International Association for Statistical Education. She is a Fellow…

The intent of this article is to introduce long-time "Online Learning" readership to the field of K-12 online learning while also providing direction for the K-12 online learning scholars about where the field is going or should be going in terms of meeting the needs of K-12 stakeholders. Recently an interview was conducted with Dr. Joe…

This article presents an interview with Joe Freidhoff, the director of online learning research and innovation at the "Michigan Virtual University"[R] ("MVU"[R]), a nonprofit corporation in Michigan. He publishes and presents frequently in the area of K-12 online and blended learning research. Dr. Freidhoff completed his…

A recent report from Michigan's Mackinac Center asserts that there is little or no relationship between student achievement and marginal increases to what the report characterizes as the already "high" levels of spending in that state. Yet the report never substantiates its assertion that present spending levels are high, on average, or…

In 1994, Michigan voters approved a ballot initiative that transferred the power in Michigan's education system from local communities to the state. Proposal A succeeded in slowing the growth of local property taxes and narrowing the gap between the richest and poorest districts in Michigan. However, due to a decade of sluggish economic growth,…

Provides an instructional unit based on interviews and articles about the influence of the automobile in the U.S. Includes a series of activity ideas and lessons for secondary students. (JDH)

Maintains that scholastic press associations must listen to their advisers, students, and judges to make sure the evaluation service is meeting needs. (SR)

A new breed of standardized reading tests, slated for use in Michigan and Illinois, measures integrative thinking instead of isolated skills and gives teachers a valuable diagnostic tool. A breakdown of content areas is given, as well as a preview of actual questions. (IAH)

The governor of Michigan charged the Task Force on School Violence and Vandalism with the responsibility of developing recommendations designed to reduce school violence and vandalism. The Task Force was divided into five subcommittees: (1) Student Concerns, (2) Educational Personnel Concerns, (3) Law Enforcement and School Security Concerns, (4)…

The South and West Washtenaw Consortium is a group of Michigan schools that collaborates in technical areas and operates graphic arts programs in cooperation with local printing businesses. It offers students hands-on experience and exposure to current technologies. (JOW)

Outlines the overall framework of the Michigan English Arts Framework project. Describes the mechanisms and strategies that are being used to build the project with participation at all levels. Discusses the tradition of curriculum separation, the role of whole language, and integration and standards. (SR)

Describes how a vocational-technical center in a poor county in Michigan was transformed with an integrated program that ensures four provisions for all learners: (1) involvement in applying academic skills with occupational skills; (2) expanded opportunities to develop employability skills; (3) linkages with business, industry, and community…

Describes the radical change in the way the states of Michigan and California finance their educational systems. Looks at advantages and disadvantages of those changes. (JOW)

For Mike Simeck, superintendent of the 900-student Dansville, Michigan, school district, adding online courses to the district's high school class offerings means enhancing the curriculum, not necessarily saving dollars. A nonprofit company, Virtual High School is one of the leaders in online course delivery on the K-12 level, offering more than…

While Michigan students learn a variety of skills in their time at school, perhaps the most important charge of public schools, beyond providing a safe and healthy environment, is to ensure that students are learning their three fundamental skills: reading, writing and arithmetic. Unfortunately, the achievement levels of Michigan public school…