Michigan’s four gubernatorial candidates have shared their proposals for improving the state’s education system, which has been plagued by dismal literacy and college readiness rates, as well as a teacher shortage.

Improving Literacy

The candidates were asked about how to improve Michigan’s ranking of 44th in fourth-grade reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Republicans James and Johnson emphasized the importance of teaching phonics, with James proposing legislative action to require proven K-3 phonics instruction. Democrat Benson suggested hiring more literacy coaches or tutors to work with struggling students, citing the success of programs like LETRS in other states.

School Choice and Accountability

The candidates also weighed in on school choice and accountability. James expressed support for the national tax credit scholarship program, which would allow taxpayers to donate to scholarship-granting nonprofits and receive a refund of up to $1,700. Benson and Swanson, on the other hand, emphasized the need to support public schools and hold charter schools to the same standards as traditional public schools.

College and Career Readiness

The candidates discussed ways to ensure students are college and career ready when they graduate from Michigan high schools. Benson proposed tying high school graduation to a globally-competitive college and career education standard, while James suggested aligning the state’s K-12 curriculum with community colleges and workforce training programs.

Addressing the Teacher Shortage

To address the teacher shortage, the candidates proposed making it easier to become a teacher and boosting pay or benefits for those in the profession. Benson suggested raising teacher starting salaries to $60,000, while James proposed reducing overly restrictive licensing barriers and implementing merit-based raises.

Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.