EMU-authorized charter schools 2nd-lowest performing in Michigan

Charter schools authorized by Eastern Michigan University have the second-worst academic track record in the state, the Detroit Free Press reported.

A report completed by researchers at the Education Policy Center at Michigan State University shows EMU is second worst, behind the Detroit Public Schools. The report was compiled for the State Board of Education.

According to the Free Press, the authorizers were ranked based on how well their schools are doing academically, academic improvements, graduation rates for those with high schools and their achievement gaps.

EMU authorizes eight schools across the state.

Last October, EMU announced it was adding two charter schools in Detroit and one in the current Willow Run school district near Ypsilanti.

The schools are slated to open this fall. The new school at 1715 Forest St. in the Willow Run school district will be named Global Tech Academy. It will be the second EMU charter school in Washtenaw County.

Malverne Winborne, director of the Charter School Program at EMU, previously told AnnArbor.com that charters are "an ideal option for providing a quality education for the youth of Michigan.”

EMU operates charters in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw and Genesee counties.

• Read the Detroit Free Press article.