Education reformers claim U.S. students are falling behind students in top nations. Actually, U.S. schools where there is little poverty are matching schools in Finland, Japan and Korea. The problem is poverty, not our public schools.
Guest Commentary
At Bridge, we believe in listening to voices from all over our state. Got something to say? Contact us and join the conversation (details below)
How to submit a Guest Commentary
What to know:
Bridge welcomes a diversity of voices and perspectives from readers on issues important to Michigan. Guest commentaries reflect the views of the author(s), and are independent of the nonpartisan, fact-driven reporting of Bridge’s newsroom staff.
Commentaries must be the author’s original work and preferably will not have appeared first in other publications. Bridge reserves the right to decline submissions at our discretion.
We reserve the right to edit commentary for grammar, clarity, brevity or to address legal or factual concerns. We may offer editing suggestions, but in the service of making your work more accessible, not to alter your views.
We do not pay for guest commentary.
Here are some guidelines:
- Columns are usually 500-700 words
- They generally focus on a Michigan topic or policy and should avoid ad hominem attacks
- The more direct, distinct and/or intimate your perspective, the more effective your column will be
- The best columns do more than identify problems; they also offer solutions and facts to back them up
- Please include a one- or two-sentence bio, including the writer’s organization or relevant background.
- Authors must show their work, by backing up facts with links to reports or studies
- Bridge does not publish self-promotional columns or candidate endorsements
- Send a good quality, large headshot of the writer(s) as an attachment
- We also ask that, in return for publishing a guest commentary, the author(s) and their organizations generously promote the link to the published column through your Facebook, Twitter and other social or professional networks.
That’s about it. Keep the writing clear, conversational and free of jargon, and sell our smart and receptive readership on the argument you are trying to make.
Who to contact:
Email your submission or idea to guestcommentary@bridgemi.com. Please briefly describe who you are and what you would like to say and put the words “guest commentary” in the email subject line.
Posted inGuest Commentary
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To increase ‘college’ attainment, broaden the definition
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Michigan students need high-quality literacy programs
In a state where fewer than 1-in-3 children are proficient readers, Michigan leaders need expert advice on how to solve this critical problem.
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Education policy makes schools hard to fund
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College may not be the right choice for all high school grads
While nearly every student needs some education after high school, four-year colleges, with their high costs and dropout rates, aren’t always the answer. We need to pay more attention to skilled trades and other options.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Lies, damn lies and education funding
In the debate over whether Gov. Snyder raised or cut state education funding in his first term, both sides can claim accuracy. But accuracy does not always equal truth. A former House Fiscal Agency director breaks down the complicated world of school finance, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Detroit schools must stop poaching students during the school year
In a city where there are too many schools, administrators spend more time trying to fill seats during the school year than in improving student learning, a practice that harms the very students they are charged with educating.
Posted inGuest Commentary
‘How’s Business’ In Michigan is an easier question to answer today
It finally feels like Michigan’s economic storm has passed. While we all remain on alert, in case another economic catastrophe rears its ugly head, we are now doing business without what felt like sirens blaring in the background and business people running for shelter.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Emergency managers in black-majority cities reflect growing income gap
Reynolds Farley Benton Harbor, Detroit, Flint, Highland Park, Inkster and Pontiac. What do they have in common? They are municipalities that, in recent years, had emergency managers appointed by the state or signed a consent agreement to avoid an EM. Buena Vista, Detroit, Highland Park, Inkster, Muskegon Heights and Pontiac? They are all school districts […]