Isabel Lohman

Michigan has 21,000 more teacher aides than a decade ago helping a shrinking population of schoolkids. Hiring more adults has yet to reverse learning skids, but one lawmaker likens it to turning around the Titanic.

Once at the bottom, Mississippi has made massive strides teaching children to read. They’ve got literacy coaches, a high-stakes third grade test and lots of teacher training. What can Michigan learn from the Magnolia state?

Michigan lawmakers are questioning if the state is doing enough to ensure students are reading on grade level. State Superintendent Michael Rice says changes from two laws passed last year will help.

In Michigan, birth rates are declining and schools of choice options are increasing. School district leaders say they are trying to attract more students. But consolidation remains unpopular.

Education advocates want voters to decide whether those making $500,000 or more should pay more in taxes to help schools. A ballot measure would go on the gubernatorial ballot.

Voters defeated slightly more than half of the requests to borrow money for improvements, a lower success rate than normal for May election. Voters in Democratic-leaning districts were more likely to approve bonds.