John Covington, the Education Achievement
Authority (EAA) Chancellor, announced his resignation Monday. Mr. Covington has
had a tumultuous stint as the leader of the EAA, regularly having his success
and practices questioned. Spokespeople from both the EAA and from Governor Rick
Snyder’s office stated that there was no pressure or request for Mr.
Covington’s resignation. Mario Morrow, the Education Achievement Authority
spokesperson, said that Mr. Covington was leaving in order to care for his
mother who is ill and to start a consulting business for schools.
The EAA was formed through a partnership
between Detroit Public Schools (DPS) and Eastern Michigan University in order
to help the lowest performing schools in the DPS system. Mr. Covington
implemented many new ideas such as longer school days and years as well as
individualized learning plans for students. The results have shown mixed
progress causing for wide criticism. Student enrollment in the EAA has seen a
sharp decline and teacher turnover rates are very high.
Controversy over Mr. Covington arrived
shortly after the news of his hiring as he was accused of failing to fulfill
promises in Kansas City and leaving the school system in Kansas City for the
position with the EAA.