Michigan parents don't push education -- kids, schools and economy suffer
Schools, teachers and students are under greater pressure than ever to improve achievement due to a staggering lack of good jobs in Michigan and school accountability mandates such as the federal No Child Left Behind law and Michigan's Education YES! But the message hasn't hit home -- at least not with any sense of urgency.
A new poll sponsored by Your Child, a group of education and family organizations that includes MEA, and the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians found that only one in four Michigan parents believe that getting a good education is essential to getting ahead in life.
Other key findings include:
- Nearly half of parents don't think everyone should have a college education nor do they trust the judgment of teachers and professors.
- Three out of five define the success of their children without reference to education or the ability to support themselves.
The poll involved telephone interviews with 1,544 parents and guardians across Michigan from April 1-25. It was conducted by the Lansing-based EPIC/MRA polling firm.
Of special interest, is the finding that minority parents are bucking this trend. Among Michigan minority parents, there is greater support for postsecondary education, however, less financial means to make it happen.
For more on the Your Child study, including links to in-depth coverage of the findings from Sunday's Detroit News, visit www.mea.org
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