Our children are competing in an increasingly competitive global economy. To ensure their continued success we must do more to make certain that America's schools are second to none. The quality of education our children receive profoundly impacts their future, as well as the future of our nation as a whole. Many of our schools are excellent, but too many schools around the nation fall short of a passing grade.

Our students deserve a strong curriculum, capable teachers, and safe schools. We must set high expectations for education in this country, support those expectations with federal resources, and evaluate the outcomes.

We also need to be preparing students for the jobs of the future. Several recent studies including one by the National Academy of Sciences argue that the U.S. is falling behind in math, science, and engineering, three areas critical to continuing product development in the manufacturing sector. The Report of Lt. Governor John Cherry’s Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth spelled out how Michigan’s economic future is directly linked to our ability to accelerate the completion of degrees of higher education. Two-thirds of the jobs created in the next decade will require post-secondary education and training. We need to work to make education and training more affordable and available, preparing workers for whatever jobs the future may hold.

Michigan and Local Education Websites:

Oakland County Schools

Macomb County Schools

Michigan Department of Education