Education
Are metro Detroit residents ‘thriving’?
A survey centered on life in the Detroit metropolitan area released on Thursday states that 50% of all residents give life evaluations that classify them as “thriving.” However, 52% of city residents between ages 18 to 39 believe children would be better off going to school in another area. The Detroit Regional Chamber and the […]
Gilchrist talks about what’s next for Michigan cities, education, clean energy and more
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist told the Michigan Advance on Wednesday that he is looking forward to efforts that would support clean energy, schools and continued investments into Michigan’s economy. At the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference, Gilchrist and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have focused on promoting inclusive policies to support Michigan families and bring more people and […]
What does Gen Z want? Equity in education funding, better transportation and more.
A Wednesday panel at the Mackinac Policy Conference highlighted the influence of young people in Michigan’s political, social and economic environments, while also calling attention to issues most pressing to Generation Z. Moderator Angelique Power, CEO of the Detroit-based grantmaking organization the Skillman Foundation, was joined on the panel by youth education activist Imani Harris, […]
Higher teacher pay is order of the day in some Michigan schools
As the 2022-23 Michigan public school year comes to an end, some districts are increasing teacher pay as a way to get educators to stay. In a 2022 survey conducted by the Michigan Education Association (MEA), 20% of Michigan teachers and staff reported that they plan to leave the profession – and compensation was a […]
Debt limit deal hits turbulence in Congress as leaders prep for vote
WASHINGTON — Congress began moving the bipartisan debt limit package forward Tuesday, though frustrations with provisions in the bill could make for narrow passage in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats both aired their disappointment with the agreement forged over the weekend, but only GOP lawmakers are looking to possibly remove […]
Biden student debt relief plan revoked in U.S. House vote
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House on Wednesday voted to overturn the Biden administration’s one-time student debt relief plan that is currently on hold awaiting a Supreme Court decision expected within weeks. Before the 218-203 vote on the resolution, the White House said President Joe Biden would veto it, arguing that the U.S. Department of Education has the […]
Column: Filter First legislation would ensure safe drinking water in schools, childcare centers
It’s been almost a decade since the start of the Flint water crisis, and yet there is still no law in our state to ensure that the drinking water in our schools and childcare centers is safe for Michigan kids. That could all change if the Filter First bills recently passed by the Senate (Senate […]
Whitmer signs directive aimed at relieving student loan strain for Michiganders
As the U.S. Supreme Court approaches a ruling on President Joe Biden’s proposal to forgive a portion of student loan debt, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has instructed various state agencies to explore cost-cutting mechanisms for borrowers in Michigan. In a Wednesday executive directive, Whitmer called on the state departments of Treasury, Insurance and Financial Services and […]
State Education Board President Pamela Pugh announces for U.S. Senate
Michigan Board of Education President Pamela Pugh announced Tuesday morning at Comma Bookstore in Flint that she intends to run for U.S. Senate in 2024, widening the Democratic primary field to five registered candidates. Pugh, a Saginaw native and University of Michigan alumna, joins candidates Leslie Love, a former state representative, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin […]
Rick Haglund: Time is running out to address Michigan’s population, prosperity decline
Updated, 10:46 a.m. 5/23/23 Beginning a column with a cliché is considered a sign of unimaginative writing. But the old tale of the boiled frog almost perfectly describes Michigan’s demographic and economic plight. It’s said that if you drop a frog in a pan of boiling water, it will immediately jump out. But if you […]
Whitmer signs ‘red flag’ gun safety bills
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday signed more bills establishing gun safety reforms during a news conference in Royal Oak. “No Michigander should fear going to school, work, the grocery store, or their own home because of gun violence,” said Whitmer. “Extreme risk protection orders have been proven to reduce suicides, save lives, and keep guns […]
Debate over holding back third graders roils state legislatures
Should third graders who don’t read well enough to pass a standardized test repeat their grade? That question is roiling states, with some choosing to keep the practice, some to modify it and others to scrap it. Most states require students to take standardized tests that measure progress in reading and math in the third […]