We’re getting an inside look at what educators in Michigan communities are saying when it comes to several key areas in education.

The sentiments of 17,000 teachers, support staff and administrators were collected during a statewide survey fielded by Launch Michigan earlier this year. Launch Michigan is the statewide coalition of diverse organizations, including CMF, who are working together in support of improving student outcomes.

CMF reported on the statewide survey results back in March. Further analysis has been done to examine the data within nine regions.

“Breaking down the data by each region allows for better identification of how educator and student needs differ throughout the state,” Launch Michigan shared in a press release.

The regional results provide feedback from educators in three areas: teaching landscape and satisfaction; professional development and evaluation; and literacy resources.

Regional data:

• 21 percent of teachers in the Thumb region would recommend careers in education for young people.

• 19 percent of K-5 teachers in southwest Michigan believe that they have been adequately prepared to provide substantial support to students leading up to the implementation of the state’s new third grade reading law, Read by Grade 3.

• 35 percent of mid-Michigan teachers feel that systems in their schools lead to better student learning.

• 38 percent of teachers in the Flint area receive specific professional learning suggestions that are tailored to their needs.

• 29 percent of teachers in the Upper Peninsula have access to literacy coaches in their schools.

• 39 percent of teachers in the northern Lower Peninsula do not have enough books and reading materials in their classrooms.

• About half of south central Michigan teachers believe their local schools are doing a good job.

• About half of metro Detroit teachers feel empowered to teach in ways that are best for students.

“This is a very rich set of data that provides Launch Michigan with a good read into the perceptions of front-line educators across the state,” Emma White, the researcher leading the survey analysis said. “The results show the passion that educators have for their students and their careers, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for education policy in this state.”

The complete survey results are available via Launch Michigan.

Following the release of the regional results, Launch Michigan has announced two key priorities.

In an op-ed in The Detroit Free Press, Launch Michigan steering committee members identified school funding and literacy support as priorities to best prepare students for future careers.

“Focusing on helping all students read and ensuring more funding flows to the students who need the most help are smart and straightforward choices that our leaders in Lansing need to adopt for the coming year,” Rob Fowler, CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan and Chris Wignet, executive director, Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators wrote in the op-ed.

As Launch Michigan continues to dive into key priorities, with the start of the new school year the Michigan Department of Education just released new data reporting modest gains in third and fourth grade English language arts (ELA) scores for the second straight year.

Sixth graders also showed improvement in ELA and third, fifth and sixth graders made gains in math on the 2019 M-STEP.

While these improvements indicate the potential for continued growth, MDE says this is only one milestone in a much-larger undertaking.

“Focus and attention on early childhood education and early literacy are beginning to bear fruit, and continued efforts in these areas will keep Michigan moving forward,” Michael Rice, state superintendent said.

Launch Michigan announced earlier this summer that it is accelerating the development of targeted and actionable recommendations to meet the request of legislative leadership. Their report is expected to be given to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature by December 1.

Want more?

Connect with Launch Michigan and learn more about the regional educator survey results.