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Detroit Public Schools Announces Academic Advisory Council

DETROIT (AP) - A team of about 120 Detroit Public Schools teachers, principals and administrators are working on a long-term plan to improve learning for students in the financially struggling district.

The Academic Advisory Council was announced Wednesday by interim schools Superintendent Alycia Meriweather. Meriweather says the plan will span eight to 10 years.

The 97-school district has about 46,000 students. Students rank among the worst in the state on standardized tests, but scores are improving. Graduation rates also are up over the past decade.

Academic Advisory Council committees are looking into topics that include school expansions and closures, attendance and behavior policies, and curriculum and instruction. Successful models in use elsewhere could be implemented in Detroit.

The state Legislature is considering plans to pay off the district's estimated $467 million debt load.

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