Michigan schools do not have enough special education teachers, leaving many students without the services they need. Higher pay may help, as would lowering barriers for college students to teach in the speciality.
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.
Posted inTalent & Education
West Michigan library defunded over LGBTQ books wins tax support on 3rd try
The Patmos Library in Ottawa County was ground zero for a culture war over LGBTQ-themed books. After losing funding votes twice, voters approved support Tuesday to keep it open
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan third-graders still struggle with reading, more supports needed
Michigan lawmakers approved a third-grade reading law in 2016 aimed at improving literacy instruction across the state. But years later, too many students still read below grade level.
Posted inTalent & Education
Detroit student who fought for ‘right to literacy’ is still in the fight
At age 16, Jamarria Hall joined a lawsuit that accused Michigan state officials of failing to provide Detroit students a basic reading education. He remains involved in the fight.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Democrats loosen teacher evaluation metrics
Democrats are close to completing one of their education priorities: changing the teacher evaluation system by making evaluations less reliant on how students perform on tests.
Posted inTalent & Education
How Michigan schools are trying to attract 1,000 or more new bus drivers
The state is pumping millions of dollars into the education budget to help school districts fill bus driver vacancies. Even so, pay remains a hurdle, so some districts offer gas cards, rideshares and public transport options.
Posted inTalent & Education
Oxford shooting probe: Three takeaways to improve Michigan school safety
A lengthy report faults administrators for failing to adhere to threat assessment policies and training before the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. Michigan superintendents say they’ve already learned from the tragedy.
Posted inTalent & Education
What Michigan State asked, and didn’t ask, in its review of campus shooting
In the aftermath of the Feb. 13 mass shooting, MSU encouraged an Ohio firm to focus on what the school ‘handled well’ in its response. It did not directly ask what failed. Experts say a warts-and-all review would have better served the university.
Posted inTalent & Education
What to do about mess at MSU? Some Michigan leaders say ditch elected board
After years of infighting and controversy, there are renewed calls to allow the governor to appoint board members for Michigan’s largest public universities. Currently, they are elected by state voters.
Posted inTalent & Education
MSU receives state dollars to expand medical school at Flint campus
The state awarded $3.4 million for the expansion of MSU College of Human Medicine to create a Department of Public Health. The grant will be used to construct a 40,000 sq ft building in downtown Flint which will include office spaces, rooms for lab, research and instruction. The project is expected to be completed by 2028.