Michigan Gov. Whitmer Establishes New Lifelong Education Department
Michigan Gov. Whitmer Establishes New Lifelong Education ... The 74
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Establishes Michigan Department of Lifelong Education
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced the formation of a new state agency targeted at improving educational outcomes from preschool through postsecondary instruction.
MiLEAP: A Comprehensive Approach to Education
The new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) will have three offices: Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, and Education Partnerships. This initiative is part of Whitmer’s “Make It In Michigan” program, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addresses various policy priorities.
Clear Metrics for Action
The department’s main objective is to collect data and establish clear metrics for action at the local and state levels. By doing so, MiLEAP aims to ensure that every child has access to quality education and opportunities for success.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals
Whitmer emphasized the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in her announcement. She stated, “For too long, we have thought of education as K-12, but we know that’s not good enough. I’m establishing MiLEAP today because we need to get every kid started early, in pre-K, so they succeed in kindergarten, have paths after graduation to get higher education tuition-free and forge strong partnerships with our employers so they can get a good-paying, high-skill, and in-demand job.”
A Collaborative Effort
MiLEAP will work alongside the Michigan Department of Education and the state Board of Education to address education issues at various stages of a student’s learning career, beginning at age two and continuing through high school and postsecondary education.
Positive Reception and Criticism
The formation of MiLEAP has received praise from several Democratic lawmakers. State Rep. Samantha Steckloff expressed excitement about the new tools that will improve Michigan’s education outcomes. However, House Minority Leader Matt Hall expressed skepticism, highlighting the need to fix the current education system before expanding it.
Boosting Student Success
The Michigan Education Association (MEA) President-elect, Chandra Madafferi, commended the establishment of MiLEAP, stating that it will help boost student success throughout the state. The Michigan League for Public Policy also supports MiLEAP, emphasizing the importance of a data-driven approach to ensure every child and family in Michigan can thrive.
Leadership and Implementation
MiLEAP will be led by a director appointed by Whitmer, who will become a member of the governor’s cabinet. The order goes into effect on December 1st.
About Michigan Advance
Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan Demas for questions: info@michiganadvance.com. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and Twitter.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the establishment of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP), which aims to improve educational outcomes from preschool through postsecondary instruction. This aligns with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, the article mentions the goal of forging strong partnerships with employers to provide good-paying, high-skill, and in-demand jobs, which relates to SDG 8’s target of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Finally, the article highlights the importance of addressing education issues at various stages of a student’s learning career to reduce inequalities, which is a key objective of SDG 10.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
- SDG 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
- SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to ensuring access to quality education at all levels (SDG 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3), promoting full and productive employment (SDG 8.5), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of children completing free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education
- Access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education
- Equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education
- Employment rate and proportion of people in decent work
- Level of social, economic, and political inclusion
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the indicators mentioned above can be used to assess the achievement of the targets. These indicators can measure the number of children completing primary and secondary education, access to early childhood education, equal access to higher education, employment rates, and the level of social inclusion.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.1 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. | Number of children completing free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.2 By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education. | Access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education. |
| 4.3 By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | Equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education. | |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Employment rate and proportion of people in decent work. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Level of social, economic, and political inclusion. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: the74million.org
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