The 11-bill package was introduced to strengthen the state’s authority amid shifting federal policies on childhood immunization.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan. She loves visiting schools and analyzing how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. Previously, she was the children’s issues reporter for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee. There, she reported on the state's third-largest public school district's COVID-19 response and how a community copes after losing teenagers to gun violence. Isabel grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and has also lived in Missouri, Tennessee and Belgium. Isabel moved to Ann Arbor in January 2022 where she experienced her first Michigan winter. She has a warm winter hat with a snap-on puff ball. You can reach Isabel at ilohman@bridgemi.com.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan needs to attract, retain more teachers of color, new report says
As Michigan schools continue trying to find highly qualified teachers and retain them, a new report highlights the need to ensure students experience being taught by teachers of color.
Posted inTalent & Education
Nighttime child care center in Jackson serves kids whose parents work late
Finding affordable child care can be tough for parents. A child care center in Jackson is providing a ‘second family’ for kids when parents work late at night.
Posted inTalent & Education
Next Michigan superintendent vows to take ‘students first’ mission statewide
Fresh off a meeting with the governor, incoming state superintendent Glenn Maleyko says he’s ready to work with anyone.
Posted inTalent & Education
Enrollment in Michigan’s free pre-K program for 4-year-olds reaches new high
State officials are touting the free pre-K program for 4-year-olds. Across the state, about 51,000 students are enrolled.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan adopts updated sex education standards after contentious meeting
Michigan Democrats approved an update to the state’s health standards during a contentious State Board of Education meeting. Many public commenters took issue with the state’s recommendation to address gender identity in instruction.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan has $321M for school safety. The catch: Districts must waive rights
Michigan public and private schools can opt in to receive school safety and mental health funding. But school groups say they have issues with the funding rules.
Posted inTalent & Education
As Lansing mulls change, Michigan schools face uphill fight against absenteeism
Educators send letters to parents, host meetings and even pick up students to combat absenteeism as lawmakers consider a stronger approach.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan absenteeism FAQ: Who’s to blame? What are penalties to schools, kids?
Michigan kids miss far more school than their peers. What to know about the crisis, from how many days are required and why the state’s recently retired superintendent is calling for Lansing to intervene.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan K-12 crisis: State slow to respond as kids miss school, scores fall
Michigan has some of the highest absenteeism rates in the nation — and worst reading scores. It’s not a coincidence, but unlike other states, Michigan has been slow to pursue reforms.