There are 22 counties — mostly in northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula — where under 60% of homes have broadband access.
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.
Michigan needs to attract, retain more teachers of color, new report says
As Michigan schools continue trying to find highly qualified teachers and retain them, a new report highlights the need to ensure students experience being taught by teachers of color.
Michigan schools scramble to ready students with disabilities for future
The Calhoun Intermediate School District’s new Lunger House helps students with disabilities prepare for life after school, a time many disability advocates call ‘the opportunity cliff.’
Michigan fails its students with disabilities, first-ever report finds
Report sounds alarms on rampant absenteeism, use of restraints and low graduation rates among Michigan’s disabled population.
Lack of after-school care sends 687K Michigan parents scrambling
Thousands of Michigan parents are on waiting lists to get their children into after-school care programs. They’re forced to go without in spite of millions of dollars in grant funding offered by the state.
Nighttime child care center in Jackson serves kids whose parents work late
Finding affordable child care can be tough for parents. A child care center in Jackson is providing a ‘second family’ for kids when parents work late at night.
Next Michigan superintendent vows to take ‘students first’ mission statewide
Fresh off a meeting with the governor, incoming state superintendent Glenn Maleyko says he’s ready to work with anyone.
Peanut allergies fall, but Michigan schools are sticking with restrictions
Early research led parents and schools to avoid exposing children to peanuts, but new studies show early introduction sharply reduces allergy risk. While allergy rates are falling, many Michigan schools still use targeted nut restrictions to protect vulnerable students.
Enrollment in Michigan’s free pre-K program for 4-year-olds reaches new high
State officials are touting the free pre-K program for 4-year-olds. Across the state, about 51,000 students are enrolled.
Michigan adopts updated sex education standards after contentious meeting
Michigan Democrats approved an update to the state’s health standards during a contentious State Board of Education meeting. Many public commenters took issue with the state’s recommendation to address gender identity in instruction.