Friday, May 10, 2013
Currently, Dearborn Public Schools require students to take foreign language for two years.
Hoping to free up more options for students when it comes to high school electives, the Michigan House Education Committee approved two bills in Lansing on Tuesday that would eliminate the foreign language requirement for graduation. Dearborn Public Schools currently follow the Michigan Merit Curriculum guidelines that require students to take two years of a foreign language. The district offers classes in French, Spanish, Arabic, German, Mandarin Chinese, and American Sign Language. According to Dr. Gail Shenkman, associate superintendent for secondary education at DPS, students can complete the foreign language requirement by enrolling in two years of classroom instruction at the high school level; testing out of a foreign language; or …
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Rep. George Darany introduced legislation that would allow for a “veteran” designation on state ID cards.
A bill benefitting veterans introduced by a Dearborn legislator will be coming before the House of Representatives soon. State Rep. George Darany's bill would allow Michigan veterans to have a "veteran" designation put on their state issued ID card. The bill was reported out of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee this week. House Bill 4287 will now be referred to the full Michigan House of Representatives for consideration. Darany said he hopes the legislation would make it easier for true veterans to prove their status. "Michigan is home to more than 650,000 veterans, and it is important that we send a clear signal that the people of this state are truly grateful for their service to our country," said Darany in a statement…
Friday, January 11, 2013
David Knezek serves the 11th District, including Dearborn Heights, Inkster, Garden City, Westland, and Livonia.
State Rep. David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights) was officially sworn in this week for his first term as state representative for the 11th District of the Michigan House of Representatives during a ceremony in the House Chamber. Knezek is a 2012 graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a veteran of the Iraq War. While at UM-Dearborn, he served as Student Government president. He has named education and public safety as two of his top priorities while in office. "Now is the time to put education, especial early childhood education, at the forefront of our policy conversations," Knezek said. "Having worked in a classroom before coming to Lansing, I can tell you firsthand that our state needs to do more to improve educational …
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Here's a look at initiatives spearheaded by legislator Rep. George Darany over the past year.
Dearborn legislator Rep. George Darany introduced nine pieces of legislation in the state House of Representatives in 2012. This included four resolutions and five bills. He also introduced two amendments during the year. Darany, who just finished his first term, was reelected on Nov. 6. Here's a look at the bills and resolutions introduced by Rep. Darany in 2012, courtesy of MichiganVotes.org. Amendments Darany was also recognized one of 50 members of the House of Representatives who was present for all 1,517 votes taken in 2012. This is his second year in office, and his second perfect record for voting.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Senate-passed bill would affect new motorists with graduated licenses.
Cellphones and the youngest drivers don't go together safely, a majority of Michigan senators believe. Under a proposal that passed the Senate by a 28-10 vote Thursday, teens with Level 1 or 2 graduated licenses could be ticketed and fined for driving while chatting on a phone – even in hands-free mode. The bill now goes to the state House. Backers want to reduce risky distractions among newcomers behind the wheel. Some senators voted against the measure because they favor a broader crackdown, the Associated Press reports. The legislation is called "Kelsey's Law" in memory of a Sault Ste. Marie 17-year-old who had a fatal crash while talking on her phone in 2010. Teens with Level 3 licenses, typically issued to 17-year-olds, would be …
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A look back at the Dearborn representative's first year in office.
For Rep. George T. Darany (D-Dearborn), 2011 was a busy year. The former Dearborn City Council member began his first term in the Michigan House of Representatives in January 2011, and has since introduced nine bills, five resolutions and two amendments, as well as co-sponsoring another 197 pieces of legislation. Darany touted his first year in office as a productive one for the citizens of Dearborn. “Since the day I was sworn into office last year, the interests and well-being of my constituents have come first," Darany said in a statement. "I have greatly appreciated all of the input and feedback I received from Dearborn residents throughout 2011 and I look forward to continued communication as the 2012 legislative session gets underway…
Rachel
7:19 am on Monday, May 13, 2013
I think the foreign language requirement is one of the most important requirement for many reasons including job options, marketplace competation and, maybe most importantly, diplomacy at home and abroad. I only wish it were a requirement starting in kindergarten when children are the most apt to absorb it. more ›