As leaders discuss ways to improve Michigan test scores, the state of Mississippi repeatedly comes up. Mississippi’s former state literacy director shares ideas on what Michigan can do.
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
As Michigan falls further behind, some ask: Time to overhaul high school?
With college readiness low and absenteeism high, education groups say Michigan is overdue for a change in high school graduation standards
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Four things Michiganders should know about federal student loan changes
Federal student loans are getting a shake up with new borrowing limits and repayment rules. Here’s what to know.
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US Education Secretary McMahon urges Whitmer to join schools tax credit plan
US Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Michigan should join 27 other states in a program that lets taxpayers pour money into scholarships for students to attend public or private schools.
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Bridge Listens: Can Michigan fix its education woes? What to know
Bridge readers say education is a huge concern. We break down the facts, the trends and possible solutions.
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Michigan lawmakers push reading training for future teachers to improve scores
Michigan lawmakers continue to discuss ways to address low student reading scores. One idea is to require more training before teachers begin working in the classroom.
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Group halts ‘tax the rich’ ballot effort to raise funds for Michigan schools
A coalition of education groups had hoped to raise taxes on the wealthy to pay for schools. On Thursday, the group said it doesn’t ‘see a path forward’ to getting enough signatures to make the ballot.
Posted inTalent & Education
New Michigan program aims to train, retain more early childhood teachers
Finding and keeping enough child care workers is a challenge. A new state-funded effort aims to raise wages, train workers and keep them in Michigan classrooms.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan may require intensive reading training for elementary teachers
As elected officials try to address low reading scores, one idea has bipartisan support: require teachers to take a specific ‘science of reading’ training. But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are concerned about the time commitment it would take from teachers.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan bill would require schools to teach water safety in gym class
A bill would make water safety instruction part of the PE curriculum. Advocates say schools play a vital role in keeping children and teens safe in and around water.