Bishop tours FlexTech to learn about innovative charter schools

U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop learned about FlexTech High School’s teaching model by touring the Genoa Township school Monday.

Bishop, who recently was named to the House Education Committee, has been taking tours of charter, vocational and traditional schools to better understand what is and isn’t working in today’s education.

The Rochester Republican reached out to FlexTech High School to tour the facility, speak with students and learn about the school’s project-based learning model.

“It’s finding ways to best educate students, and sometimes breaking away from the traditional learning style (is needed) to accomplish that,” Bishop said.

FlexTech’s model is based on hands-on learning, steering away from traditional lectures, notes and tests.

“We want our students to thrive here, and so we tailor to the way they best learn and absorb information,” said Melanie Laber, FlexTech school leader. “We are flexible with our schedule and teaching ways.”

FlexTech has around 16 teachers and 273 students.

“It’s changed so much since it opened in 2011 and is a great, innovative school,” said Buddy Moorehouse, Michigan Association of Public School Academies communications vice president.

Laber and other charter school officials, including Brad Wever, Central Michigan University charter school office public policy director, showed Bishop around the school.

They were able to see some of the projects students were working on in classes such as culinary arts, history and art.

“We were thrilled when a local representative wanted to come and tour FlexTech because it’s just so different from any other school,” Moorehouse said. “Traditional learning isn’t the only option for students. We have to cater to every student’s needs.”

Working in state government has allowed Bishop to see how charter schools in Michigan work and grow.

“I’ve always felt like they provide a great option for parents and families looking for quality education,” Bishop said. “I think they work in a world of public schools that doesn’t necessarily compete or conflict. But they enhance and provide a healthy environment.”

Bishop believes charter schools give those who would have dropped out an opportunity to succeed.

“This environment captures 273 students who would have left school and not be productive,” Bishop said. “They capture them, they foster them, they bring them forward … and I just think that is a great way for those students.”

Touring a variety of learning environments, such as FlexTech, also provides Bishop a better opportunity of what students need to enter the workforce.

“We need to create environments in this state and this country that educate all students and (don’t) just focus on one dynamic,” Bishop said. “There are some vocational schools that have done a great job (in) identifying students who are trained and prepared to go right into the workforce, who might not want to go into higher education. That is something we need to recognize.”

Contact Livingston Daily education reporter Abby Welsh at 517-552-2848 or at awelsh@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @abby_welshLD.