Kindergarten enrollment was down 11.3 percent across Michigan last year as parents chose to keep their students home rather than face the COVID health risk.
Tracie Mauriello, Chalkbeat Detroit
A guest author for Bridge Magazine.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan effort launched to OK tax breaks for private school education
The group behind the petition drive intends to work with the GOP Legislature to evade a veto by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Critics say it’s another GOP effort to use public money for private schools that runs afoul of the Michigan Constitution.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Senate OKs longshot bills to stop student COVID mandates
The GOP measures blocking mask and vaccine orders are likely DOA if they reach Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Republicans say the bills give parents control over health decisions. Democrats say they ignore science.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools would decide on opening before Labor Day under House bill
The debate pits education advocates who want independent control of their school-year calendars against tourism leaders who want to ensure families can book vacations through Labor Day.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools worry about funding loss as student Count Day looms
Count Day stands to look different than it did in the spring, as Michigan school district leaders worry they will lose funding for students who are in quarantine.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Senate passes bill to help teachers spot student mental illness
Teacher training could soon include instruction on recognizing signs of mental struggles. Advocates say these skills are more needed than ever given the added strain the pandemic placed on children and adolescents.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Republicans aim to restrict school discussion of systemic racism
A GOP House bill takes aim at critical race theory; the notion that the legacies of slavery and racism are baked into the nation’s laws and many of its institutions. Opponents contend such measures are an effort to prevent honest classroom discussion about race.
Posted inTalent & Education
Poll: Michigan voters would raise taxes to spend more on helping children
Poll from the Skillman Foundation indicates that voters want more spending on career exposure, job training, mental health resources, child care and expanded learning time.