Test scores fuel charter school debate

State education officials disagree about the significance of Michigan Educational Assessment Program scores released from a group of charter schools. National Heritage Academies released an analysis of MEAPscores by the Hillsdale Policy Group showing students who attend an academy school for two or more years score higher than students entering an Academy school for the first year.The report said charter school students improved more than their public school counterparts in six of eight test categories and performed better than the state average for fifth and eighth grade writing and eighth grade science.“You’re seeing the evidence that charter schools, being a new public school, are getting dramatic results in education,” said Dan Quisenberry, president of Michigan Association of Public School Academies.But Margaret Trimer-Hartley, director of communications of the Michigan Education Association, disagrees.“There are many other indicators besides the MEAP,” she said.

Police briefs 03/13/02

Student government supports U building recycling center

ASMSU officials might support the university building its own recycling facility on or close to campus. At the undergraduate student government’s Academic Assembly meeting on Tuesday night, a report compiled by Steve Lovelace, the assembly’s internal vice chairperson, said a new facility would be the best option.

Bills would ban commonly-used chemical

A couple of state bills would prohibit businesses from producing a chemical commonly used in upholstery, appliances and plastics. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are useful as a flame retardant.

RHA looking for new leadership as elections continue

Elections for the Residence Halls Association’s executive board will continue tonight at the general assembly meeting. President-elect Tim Liss could be joined by Case Hall Rep.

Baby steps help improve health and overall wellness

Every day Emily Eshenroder tries to walk a little bit farther.The 2001 MSU graduate parks farther away in the grocery store parking lot and walks around her office a few times a day.

U recognizes International Womens Day

With a budget of about $150 and a planning committee of three, MSU students will have the opportunity to celebrate the 82nd International Women’s Day four days after the rest of the world.

For-profit Internet proposal taken off trustees agenda

MSU officials will be reevaluating a proposal for MSU to create a new for-profit Internet service providing company.MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon, who presented the proposal at last month’s Board of Trustees meeting, refused to comment about the reevaluation, saying it only was taken off the trustee’s agenda, not suspended.The proposal would have created an Internet service providing company operating with a lower overhead cost than local competitors.

Elections open, seek student participation

Students will have a chance to vote on representation and tax increases when student election polls open today. Position elections for ASMSU, the undergraduate student government, and other changes will stay open until noon Saturday at www.student-elections.msu.edu.

Natural Resources Commission establishes goals

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources could receive a few changes this year. The Natural Resources Commission, which establishes general policies for the department, met last week to discuss its goals for the year. The commission agreed on five goals to update the department’s policies but DNR spokesman Brad Wurfel said the biggest change in the commission’s outlook is its involvement in the department’s operations. “Clearly they’re making a move to become more involved in the agency and in the legislature,” he said. Wurfel said while a strong relationship is the highlight of the commission’s goals, the group has progressed in that respect over the past five years. Director K.L.

Bill could aid foster care

Donna Hawkins loves being a mom. In her Okemos home, Hawkins and her husband, John, care for foster children ranging from infants to teenagers.

Police briefs 03/12/02

Shamrocks fill establishments, help cause

Green and gold shamrocks are covering the walls of local businesses, schools and restaurants for the 19th annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program. For a $1 donation, students and customers can sign green paper shamrocks, and for a donation of $5 or more they sign gold shamrocks.

Science library provides more resources

Robert Cichewicz said he instantly noticed a difference when he entered the new Biomedical and Physical Sciences Library on Monday.“This one smells better,” the horticulture graduate student said.

U-M association leads walkout

Ann Arbor - Members of the University of Michigan’s Graduate Employees Organization led a one-day walkout on Monday that left some classes empty. About 500 graduate student instructors at the Ann Arbor campus picketed several locations to show the organization is working without a contract. U-M spokeswoman Julie Peterson said some classes had low turnout but weren’t canceled. “My suspicion is that some classes did not meet,” she said. Peterson said further negotiations were booked for today, but a tough budget year is limiting the school’s financial abilities. The graduate students have been negotiating with U-M administration since October.

Group must raise $15,000 to continue annual Pride March

Budget cuts and a lack of donations might force Michigan Pride to cancel its annual lesbian and gay Pride March in Lansing. The event, slated for June 15, is designed to promote awareness and visibility of lesbian and gay culture.

Buddy program links students

MSU is responsible for 21 blind dates that have turned into relationships this semester.The Buddy Program combines an international graduate student with an American undergraduate student for eight weeks to introduce the buddies to each other’s cultures.

Police briefs 03/11/02

U to vote on ASMSU constitution changes

ASMSU officials are requesting changes to three parts of the organization’s constitution, including leadership guidelines.

Math chair adjusts to position at U

Pink Floyd and the Pythagorean Theorem aren’t related - but Peter Bates, the new chairman of the Department of Mathematics, has experience with both.Between studying math books and taking tests at the University of London in the 1960s, Bates booked the rock band for a campus activity.“The student union wasn’t putting on any events so my friends and I took it upon ourselves and booked Pink Floyd,” he said.