The U.S. is requiring standardized tests this year amid COVID. Ordinarily, that would mean the statewide M-STEP, but state Superintendent Michael Rice wants districts to choose among assessments, leaving the issue in limbo.
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.
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Michigan students must take M-STEP, despite COVID, Biden administration says
Michigan school officials didn’t want to make students take standardized tests this spring because of the disruptions due to the pandemic. Federal officials aren’t giving them a choice.
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Affluent Michigan schools want bigger share of federal COVID funds
With billions at stake, Michigan school groups are pushing to have the COVID relief formula changed to shrink the funding advantage being given to poor districts under federal relief bills. Some impoverished districts would get 100 times more funds under the U.S. formula.
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Tensions mount as 3 Michigan school districts hesitate to open classrooms
Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Lansing have yet to decide whether to reopen to in-person classes, despite declining COVID-19 cases and the urging of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that schools find ways to safely reopen.
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Whitmer’s budget would give more Michigan families state-funded child care
A $370 million infusion could make child care more affordable for 150,000 families and keep struggling child care centers afloat.
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Michigan teachers got COVID vaccines early, students now stand to benefit
Nearly two-thirds of Michigan teachers have received at least the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine or are set to get it, according to a survey by the state’s largest teachers union, spurring more districts to make plans to reopen.
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Grand Valley State offering free tuition to some lower-income students
GVSU is following some Michigan universities by offering savings to students in six Michigan counties. The program covers tuition and class fees, but not other attendance expenses that can still prove steep for some families.
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Michigan’s free community college offer isn’t free in parts of the state
Many residents in northern, rural and more low-income regions do not qualify for free tuition because they’re not in “community college districts.” The state can close the gap with another $7.5 million.
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Michigan’s new, free community college program: What you need to know
A new program called Michigan Reconnect offers free tuition at community colleges and many job training programs.
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Michigan essential workers get free tuition. Soon, many others can, too.
More than 120,000 essential workers signed up for free community college tuition through the Futures for Frontliners program. The state expects to launch a similar program soon for the roughly 3 million Michigan adults over age 25 who lack a college degree.