COVID-19 has thrown the public education system in Michigan upside down. After Governor Whitmer's administration declared that online education won't be counted as credit, students and educators alike are now dealt a "difficult hand" to proceed in education. Teachers and educational professionals in many public districts frantically designed plans to integrate learning online for the benefit of all students, however these plans are now at risk. Due to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Governor Whitmer's memo, there will not be seat time waiver requests at this time, providing the possibility of school being extended into summer and beyond. This hurts students and educators alike, by demotivating students to complete their coursework and by holding educators to a double standard, designing engaging lesson plans, expecting students to complete their coursework, while possibly preparing to continue teaching into the summer. Teachers and educators are already unarguably under-appreciated and underpaid, so why expect them to do even more? 

Students and teachers alike have commitments in the summer. If COVID-19 doesn't cancel these commitments, taking away an educator's time with family, a child's time at summer camp, or high school student volunteering in their community, it is not fair for these to be taken in order to ensure "proper seat time". Not only will students be less motivated in the summer, it reflects poorly on educators, even when they're doing all they can and more, while missing their opportunities to live life. 

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, and it is completely understandable to be uncertain in the decisions being made currently. Both Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Education want to ensure that our youth is being properly educated, and have done a great job in the past. Teachers, educators, administrations, and students are all put in a difficult position right now, with no guidance on what to do next. 

Here comes my proposition. Education and learning is shared. Decisions should not solely be made by MDE, school administrations, educators, or students. My proposal would include a Michigan Educational Task Force, complete with MDE, school administrations across the state, a diverse array of teachers, and students from every county in the state, of different age, background, and perspective. Together, this committee would create a direct plan benifiting educators and students, where they can learn without having to extend the school year into the summer.