The Michigan office of the Auditor General recently released a report saying the state Department of Education hasn't complied with its recommendations for improving virtual learning in public schools.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the auditor general released a report with recommendations on creating a statewide strategy to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of online learning at public schools.
Four years later, the Auditor General's Office says the Michigan Department of Education has not complied with two of its main recommendations, including creating better systems to address issues with online classrooms and measuring success.
In a written statement to WCMU, the state says they aren't provided the funds or staff to comply with these requests as recommended by the auditor, and the responsibility already falls on local school districts.
“This follow-up report and many comments within it reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of MDE’s role, statutory authority, and responsibilities in a state that provides for local control of its public schools,” said Bob Wheaton, Director of Public Affairs for the Michigan Department of Education.
The auditor general disagrees, saying the state has the authority and data to improve oversight of virtual learning.
