Almost 1-in-4 Michigan adults is a college dropout. A foundation in St. Clair County is turning traditional scholarships on their head, and creating a possible model for the rest of the state.
Ron French
Ron French is the senior enterprise reporter at Bridge Michigan, covering a wide range of topics including rural communities, federal policy impacts, education and public health. Born and raised in Indiana, Ron came to Bridge in 2011 from The Detroit News, where he was a project reporter, and previously reported for newspapers across Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University.
Rooted in Okemos, Ron has become a true Michigander — complete with a family cabin Up North.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan’s A-to-F school ratings on ice until attorney general weighs in
The Legislature and former Gov. Rick Snyder approved a new accountability system for Michigan schools. But the Michigan Department of Education questions the law’s legality.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan A-to-F school bill gets passing grade in Senate; on to Gov. Rick Snyder
A controversial bill that will give grades to schools will likely become law, despite concerns about whether it meets federal guidelines.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan education department blasts A to F school system bill
State Superintendent Sheila Alles minced few words in a last-ditch effort to kill an A-to-F school grading system pushed by the legislature.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan House passes A-to-F school grades but nixes new commission
In what appeared to be a compromise to get votes, a politically appointed commission with broad powers over Michigan schools was downgraded to an “peer review panel.” Bill now goes to Senate.
Posted inMichigan Government
How divisive is Michigan lame duck? Dems and GOP can’t even agree on puppies
A bill working its way through the Legislature would stop local communities from banning the sale of puppies at pet stores – puppies that animal rights groups say sometimes come from puppy mills.
Posted inMichigan Government
Republican bills would snatch power over Michigan schools from Democrats
The legislation would create a new education commission that Gov. Snyder would largely fill as he exits office, and before Democrats take over the governor’s office and state board of education
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan may soon rank schools A-to-F. Will it help? Nobody knows.
Would hanging a scarlet letter on a struggling school improve learning? Michigan might find out, if a bill now being considered in the Legislature passes.
Posted inTalent & Education
Once embarrassed by its graduation numbers, Wayne State becomes a model
Graduating less than half your students in six years doesn’t seem worth bragging about. Until you see the trend line. WSU just won a national award for improving grad rates, particularly for black students.
Posted inMichigan Government
Overnight, it’s a new Michigan. Women sweep to power in change election.
Welcome, legalized pot. So long, gerrymandering. Democrats and women score big victories, as ballot measures all pass. Republicans hold onto Legislature, promising divided government.