Researchers from the
Charter Schools Office at
Grand Valley State University say that comprehensive, up-to-date data on all of Michigan's public schools and surrounding neighborhoods is now available in one place: the new
MI-School.net website.
The site features a web tool that works like Google Maps and lays out information that can be narrowed down to specific blocks within a neighborhood. The site compiles data from the 2010 U.S. Census, the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Community Health and local police departments and clerks.
Users can filter the data to obtain detailed population demographics; housing data; teacher salary averages; school performance levels, demographics and programs (such as, special education); neighborhood education levels; health; government funding and more.
"Each stakeholder group will have different uses," says Rob Kimball, director of research and measurement. "Parents are interested in identifying what schools around a potential home are highest performing for say, third grade reading. School improvement teams can use the information to understand where their school stands compared to their peer schools. School districts considering closing a school can use the tool to understand what each city block or community is like, and then decide if they need to transfer services to meet the needs of that population."
Kimball notes that the tool is useful for economic development, as well, since the information can determine the location of target markets or areas that might need particular services.
The tool, developed by the Charter Schools Office through a collaboration with the university's College of Education and Johnson Center for Philanthropy and the Michigan Council for Charter School Authorizers, will be updated each spring and fall, and will contain information on private schools beginning in spring 2012, says Kimball.
Source: Rob Kimball, director of research and measurement, Grand Valley State University Office of Charter Schools
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.