As Michigan struggles with reading on national rankings, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the state must focus on literacy. What to know.
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
How one Michigan school district boosted AP class enrollment nearly sixfold
At Corunna Public Schools, participating in AP classes has exploded. Leaders say building a culture where students are challenged but supported makes a difference.
Posted inTalent & Education
Benson education plan: Up teacher pay, tackle absenteeism, change constitution
Benson’s plans include continuing signature efforts of the Whitmer administration and several ideas that would need support from the Legislature.
Posted inTalent & Education
What to know about school tax credit program. Will Michigan opt in or stay out?
Michigan private and public school students could benefit from a federal tax credit scholarship program. Here’s what to know.
Posted inTalent & Education
Rick Snyder: Provide Michigan education that’s ‘more than academics’
With just over half of Michigan high school graduates going off to college, leaders say more needs to be done to give them interesting and useful learning experiences in K-12 schools.
Posted inTalent & Education
Work program helps Michigan students with disabilities. Will funding run dry?
At Project SEARCH, students learn what jobs they do and don’t like. They also get support from peers, instructors and employers. Independence and employment are the goals.
Posted inTalent & Education
Most school bonds pass in Tuesday’s election. Look up your district
Statewide, 63.8% of school bonds passed. Some districts that failed to get bonds passed in November also failed Tuesday.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan election Tuesday: school bonds, special Senate race. What to know
The May ballot includes a pivotal state Senate race and nearly three dozen school funding efforts.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan tests expanding free ‘pre-K for all’ to home child-care providers
A new program tests no-cost pre-K in home child care settings. Up until now, students had to attend a school or child care center to qualify for the free option.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools get creative, competitive, to curb high absenteeism
Michigan schools want to boost the number of students regularly showing up for class. Can competitions help boost attendance?