The ‘science of reading’ is gaining momentum across the country. But making it happen in Michigan classrooms takes time, funds and staff buy-in.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan’s new tool to boost college enrollment: $50K prizes. Will it work?
Tuition discounts haven’t worked. Nor has mostly free community college. Now, the state is trying sweepstakes to get more teens to fill out financial aid forms. Similar incentives have had mixed success.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Michigan schools are struggling. Can these ideas help fix them?
With Michigan’s government again divided, lawmakers will need bipartisan support to fix schools. Here are some of their ideas.
Posted inTalent & Education
70 international students face deportation in Michigan. Trump won't say why
International students’ future in the United States is in limbo as the Trump administration revokes student legal status often with little explanation. Michigan education and workforce development officials say they’re worried about the consequences.
Posted inTalent & Education
Whitmer wants more men in Michigan colleges and job training. What to know
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is aiming to get more men in college and skills training programs in Michigan. Here’s how.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan's state Superintendent Michael Rice will retire later this year
Rice’s departure comes at a crucial time for Michigan education, where some state education chiefs are embracing President Trump’s education agenda and others like Rice are fighting it.
Posted inTalent & Education
In debt and in limbo: Uncertain times for student-loan borrowers in Michigan
In the last few years, there’s been payment pauses, promises of forgiveness and lots of court challenges in the student loan landscape. What does it all mean?
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan education officials may have overstated impact of Trump fund freeze
Michigan officials said schools would be on hook for $40 million after the federal government halted COVID-19 payments. While uncertainty remains, the total is less than half that.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan education officials cry foul after US abruptly cuts off COVID funds
US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is telling states that the time to spend COVID relief funds is over. More than 25 Michigan districts could be on the hook for a combined $42 million in spending.
Posted inTalent & Education
U-M halts DEI plans as Trump administration takes aim at diversity efforts
President Donald Trump has made clear he does not support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The University of Michigan just reversed its DEI stance.
