Cassis fights to reinstate program to save valuable education dollars
 
9/7/07
 

LANSING - State Sen. Nancy Cassis fought successfully in the Senate on Thursday to reinstate a program that will help ensure early education achievement for Michigan students without costing the state more money.

Last year, Cassis wrote a law creating the SAVE the Children grant program administered by the Department of Education. SAVE was focused on kindergarteners through third-graders. It was designed to identify problems early, intervene before children begin to struggle and fail, and give students the skills they need to succeed both in school and in life. Unfortunately, last spring the governor repealed the measure after signing it into law in 2006.

On Thursday the Senate adopted a Cassis amendment placing permissive language in the School Aid budget that would allow intermediate school districts (ISDs) to develop a model program of this type for their constituent districts. The amendment provides funding through Section 81 of the School Aid Act.

"ISDs can work with other intermediate districts and their local districts to develop best practices based on what is working at other schools," said Cassis, R-Novi. "Most importantly, this can be done without increasing costs to the district and state. I am happy we have found a compromise that allows this vital program to progress."

The program in the School Aid budget bill, House Bill 4359, was based on one put in place in Northville. According to Cassis, the number of students statewide identified for special education has increased from 10.5 percent in the 1990-91 school year to 14.2 percent in 2003-04. Since implementing an early learning success program, however, the Northville Public Schools special education rate has decreased from 10.2 percent in 1992-93 to 5.38 percent in 2004-05, saving the school more than $7.3 million in one year.

"During tight budget times we are able to give districts the opportunity to use the program and save precious dollars that can be redirected to the classroom, where they are needed most," Cassis said. "At a time when a strong foundation for a quality education is critical, this legislation will help ensure students get the best start to be successful in the classroom and in life. The program also encourages team alliances with teachers, parents and administrators, and it provides valuable training for teachers to implement prevention and intervening programs. I have been to the sites where the program is in action - the results are amazing for the students and the teachers."

HB 4359 now moves to the House for concurrence.