Michigan kids miss far more school than their peers. What to know about the crisis, from how many days are required and why the state’s recently retired superintendent is calling for Lansing to intervene.
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
Michigan K-12 crisis: State slow to respond as kids miss school, scores fall
Michigan has some of the highest absenteeism rates in the nation — and worst reading scores. It’s not a coincidence, but unlike other states, Michigan has been slow to pursue reforms.
Posted inTalent & Education
Schools bonds have become a tough sell in Michigan. Not this time
Michigan voters said yes to 65% of school district bond requests. School districts pitched renovations to schools, updated playgrounds and technology and more athletic facilities in the November 2025 election.
Posted inTalent & Education
MSU does U-turn on unisex bathrooms after complaints
Michigan State has partially reversed unisex community bathrooms in honors dorm.
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Many Michigan families can’t find child care. Could new business model help?
Nearly 9 in 10 Michigan families live in child care deserts. A state grant aims to help in two Up North counties.
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Report: Michigan must overhaul ‘inequitable’ way it funds special education
Without reform, the report says, the state will continue to leave students behind academically and socially and unprepared for the future.
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Bill would force state to inform parents on dangers of weed, tobacco, vaping
Michigan leaders say more can be done to ensure students know of the dangers of tobacco and marijuana products.
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New fight for Michigan libraries: Keeping AI-generated books off shelvesÂ
Some local libraries refuse to stock AI-generated books on their shelves, criticizing their quality and citing ethics. Librarians from Greenville and East Lansing discuss.
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Michigan sex ed overhaul plan sparks debate: inclusivity or indoctrination?
In first update since 2007, proposed sex ed standards would encourage Michigan schools to discuss gender identity and expression with students by eighth grade.
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Michigan budget bans financial incentives to boost attendance on Count Day
School budget also requires transparency on reading curricula, eliminates virtual instruction days and includes more money for schools to lower class sizes.