Education
School's Reimagined
Michigan's schools are failing at a level we can no longer accept or ignore.
Jason believes that every child deserves the best start in life, and his vision is to transform our schools into vibrant hubs of learning and growth. Jason's plan is straightforward yet incredibly ambitious: more school days, exceptional teachers, fundamentals, and practical skills. Jason's plan is for an education system in Michigan that truly prepares our children for the future.
Jason envisions a system that fosters a balanced and structured approach to education, tailored to the unique needs of each community while maintaining local control of schools.
The Plan
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Top-Notch Teachers
At the heart of Jason's plan is a deep commitment to both elevating and rigorously evaluating our state's teachers. He envisions a system where educators are not only rewarded with competitive salaries and continuous professional development opportunities but are also held to high standards of effectiveness. Jason's plan goes beyond a modest increase in pay; it's about recognizing and financially valuing the crucial role teachers play in our children's lives. Alongside this, he aims to create a nurturing and resource-rich environment for educators to excel in their profession.
Jason firmly believes that the responsibility of teaching should be reserved for those who consistently demonstrate their effectiveness and dedication. His approach includes implementing robust evaluation methods to ensure that only the most capable and committed educators are entrusted with shaping the minds of Michigan's students. By aligning incentives with accountability, Jason's vision is clear: elevate the teaching profession while ensuring that every classroom is led by a teacher who is both skilled and passionate about their craft. Michigan's education system will be a beacon of excellence, led by the best and brightest teachers.
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Focus on Fundamentals & Vocational Training
A solid foundation in core subjects - English, Math, Science, and Social Studies - is crucial for every student's success.
These aren't just subjects; they're the building blocks for critical thinking and understanding the world. Jason is committed to strengthening these core areas to ensure every Michigan student has the fundamental skills they need to thrive.
But that's just the beginning. Jason knows that not every path leads to college, and that's perfectly okay. That's why vocational training will be a key part of our curriculum. We're talking about hands-on, practical skills training for careers in trades, technology, and more. This isn't just about offering an alternative to college; it's about preparing students for real-world jobs and filling critical gaps in our workforce. Jason's plan will open doors to high-paying, in-demand jobs right here in Michigan, creating a robust workforce and future business leaders, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
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Economic and Civics Education
Jason is deeply committed to preparing our kids for the real-world challenges they'll face after school. He understands that academic knowledge alone isn't enough. That's why his educational plan includes vital life skills training. We must have comprehensive classes on financial literacy, where students will learn how to manage money wisely, understand credit cards, navigate loans, and handle bank accounts.
This isn't just about teaching math; it's about equipping our youth with the skills to make informed financial decisions in their daily lives.
Jason also recognizes the importance of a well-informed citizenry. That's why we need to bring back Civics classes with a modern twist. In these classes, students will learn about their rights and responsibilities as members of society, the workings of government, and the importance of civic engagement. This revival of Civics education is crucial in nurturing informed, responsible, and active citizens who understand their role in shaping our society.
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Foreign Language Learning
Mastering a foreign language is more than a skill; it's a critical necessity. Recognizing this, Jason’s plan prioritizes robust foreign language programs in our schools. This initiative is about more than just adding a few extra language classes – it’s about a comprehensive approach to language education that equips our students to compete in a global economy.
Countries like China begin English education as early as the first grade, Jason is committed to ensuring Michigan’s students are not left behind. His plan includes diverse language offerings and immersive learning experiences, tailored to prepare our youth for success.
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Later Start Times & Extended Year
Jason proposes a shift in school start times to align with scientific understanding of sleep patterns in children and teenagers, and an increase in the school year from 180 to 200 days to enrich educational opportunities. This isn’t just about letting students sleep in; it’s about adapting our education system to the natural rhythms of our young learners, ensuring they are well-rested, more attentive, ready to learn, and have more days in the academic year for comprehensive learning.
Numerous studies have shown that early school start times can be at odds with the biological sleep rhythms of adolescents in particular, often leading to sleep deprivation. This can impact not only their academic performance but also their mental and physical health. Jason’s plan involves a thoughtful adjustment to school schedules, ensuring they start at times that are more in tune with the natural sleep cycles of students, and extending the school year to better prepare students for the future. By doing so, we’re not only aiming for academic excellence but also fostering a healthier, more robust learning environment for our youth.
By aligning school schedules more closely with the typical workday, this initiative will help reduce child care expenses for families, ensuring that parents can work without the added stress of securing affordable care during out-of-sync school hours. This holistic approach underscores the importance of viewing education reform not just through an academic lens but as a key factor in supporting family stability and economic well-being.