Cross the border into Indiana, and chronic absenteeism rates are often half of what they are in Michigan. That’s because Indiana noticed a problem and passed laws demanding accountability.
Ron French
Ron reports on a variety of subjects across the state. Ron came to Bridge in 2011 from The Detroit News, where he was a project reporter. Born and raised in Indiana, Ron graduated from Purdue University. He reported for newspapers across Indiana before moving to Michigan in 1995. Ron lives in Okemos, and like the true Michigander he’s become, he now has a family cabin Up North. You can reach him at rfrench@bridgemi.com or 517-214-3636.
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 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.
Posted inMichigan Government
United in tragedy, Oxford and Rochester Hills offer lessons to Grand Blanc
The Genesee County suburb joins a sad list of Michigan communities that have to recover from mass shootings. ‘The aftermath gets harder,’ Oxford’s police chief says.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Trump, Tylenol and autism: Warning spurs confusion in Michigan. What to know
The Trump administration’s warning that Tylenol taken by expectant moms may increase the risk of autism has raised questions in Michigan doctor offices.
Posted inTalent & Education
MSU study urges more money, improved efficiencies for Michigan schools
While Michigan school funding has gone up, the dollars making it to classrooms has remained flat because of growing pension costs.
Posted inOutdoors Life
50 years after Edmund Fitzgerald, Michigan author explores its mystery, legend
Author John U. Bacon’s forthcoming book about the Great Lakes’ most famous shipwreck concludes that many factors ‘came together at exactly the wrong place and the wrong time’ to doom the freighter.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan farmer suicide help may be endangered by state funding snub
Michigan farmers commit suicide at more than twice the rate of other occupations. Dueling budgets in the Legislature include no funding for intervention or help.
Posted inTalent & Education
Money woes imperil Traverse City’s bid to boost reading scores with free books
Northwest Michigan is betting that providing preschoolers with books can boost plummeting reading scores. Early signs are encouraging, but funding uncertainties linger.
Posted inTalent & Education
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?