In a day-long tour in Michigan, Education Secretary Linda McMahon promoted school choice and harshly criticized US colleges.
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.
Michigan schools are floundering. How some buck the trend, improve literacy
Michigan reading scores are at record lows. Some districts are boosting literacy by investing in training, curriculum and data. Can their success be applied statewide?
Michigan’s education crisis FAQ: How important are tests? What about parents?
Michigan is sliding to the back of the pack nationally in education. Here are frequently asked questions and answers about money, truancy, staffing and other problems that frame the issue.
New state superintendent needs to move from Canada to Michigan
Dearborn schools Superintendent Glenn Maleyko plans to move to Lansing area from his home in Canada for new post.
See how your local Michigan school district did in the 2025 M-STEP
How did your local school district do on the latest state test? Use our tool to find out.
M-STEP results: Third grade English language arts reaches new low
New state test scores show that less than 60% of third graders are proficient in English language arts. Meanwhile, leaders are investing millions in teacher training, new curriculum and literacy coaches.
Dearborn Public Schools chief poised to become next state superintendent
Michigan Board of Education selects Glenn Maleyko to replace Michael Rice, who’s set to retire in October.
Survey: 1-in-10 Michigan districts cut class staff for new school year
The downsizing comes as federal funding expires and amid uncertainty over a state budget.
Michigan superintendent finalists picked. Can they boost reading scores?
The Michigan State Board of Education has narrowed its list of contenders for state superintendent. All three said they support recent efforts to improve student literacy across the state.
Special education complaints jump in Michigan, as odds stacked against parents
A Howell mother’s fight to guarantee services for her children embodies a system that some say is in dire need of reform.