MichiganRadio

Obama Administration to Make $4.4 Billion Available for School Reform DEARBORN, MI (Michigan Radio) - Charter school advocates in Michigan hope a new program to spend federal stimulus money will lead policymakers to lift the cap on charters in the state.

The Obama administration is making $4.35 billion available to states and school districts as part of a competition called "Race to the Top."

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says states that cap the number of charter schools will be at a competitive disadvantage. And Gary Naeyaert of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies says that should force change in Michigan.

"I think it's safe to say if Michigan's application for Race to the Top funds does not include a meaningful expansion of charter opportunities in Michigan, it would not be worth our time and energy to submit that application, since it's not likely to be read - let alone scored," Naeyaert said.

Michigan caps the number of university-chartered schools at 150. But community colleges and school districts can also open charter academies.

In addition to the charter school provision, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says the money will go to states and school districts that are improving student achievement, rewarding effective teachers, and turning around low-performing schools.

Duncan says despite Detroit's struggles, Secretary Duncan says places like Detroit are where reforms are most needed.

"This is not about where you are. This is about vision, this is about courage, this is about commitment to getting dramatically better," he said. "So Detroit can absolutely compete on a level playing field with everybody else."

A spokesman for Detroit Public Schools says the reforms begun there are in line with what Duncan is looking for.

The district is making staff reapply for jobs at dozens of schools, and hiring management firms to run several of the city's high schools.

Contact Sarah Hulett at sarahhu@umich.edu © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio