Students’ stark choice in northern Michigan: Go to college and never come back — or stay with smaller paychecks. That’s put school districts in a conundrum about how best to educate them.
Talent & Education
To prosper, Michigan must be a more educated place. Bridge will explore the challenges in education and identify policies and initiatives that address them.
Bridge Listens: Can Michigan fix its education woes? What to know
Bridge readers say education is a huge concern. We break down the facts, the trends and possible solutions.
Michigan lawmakers push reading training for future teachers to improve scores
Michigan lawmakers continue to discuss ways to address low student reading scores. One idea is to require more training before teachers begin working in the classroom.
Northern Michigan school bans screens to boost literacy. Will it work?
Mesick’s superintendent hopes his ‘no screens literacy initiative’ will improve standardized test scores and help students engage with books.
Group halts ‘tax the rich’ ballot effort to raise funds for Michigan schools
A coalition of education groups had hoped to raise taxes on the wealthy to pay for schools. On Thursday, the group said it doesn’t ‘see a path forward’ to getting enough signatures to make the ballot.
Bridge Listens Issues Watch kicks off with virtual discussion about schools
Join Bridge reporters on March 25 as they discuss education challenges and candidates’ solutions to plummeting scores and more.
New Michigan program aims to train, retain more early childhood teachers
Finding and keeping enough child care workers is a challenge. A new state-funded effort aims to raise wages, train workers and keep them in Michigan classrooms.
Michigan may require intensive reading training for elementary teachers
As elected officials try to address low reading scores, one idea has bipartisan support: require teachers to take a specific ‘science of reading’ training. But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are concerned about the time commitment it would take from teachers.
Michigan bill would require schools to teach water safety in gym class
A bill would make water safety instruction part of the PE curriculum. Advocates say schools play a vital role in keeping children and teens safe in and around water.
Michigan gives grants to districts that require students to fill out FAFSA
For a second year, Michigan has offered school districts funds to require students to complete a federal financial aid form. Districts must offer an opt-out option.