Research shows that early literacy is hugely important for future student success. If students cannot read on grade-level by the end of third grade, they are more likely to drop out of school, have behavioral problems and have less academic success than their peers.
During the 2015-16 school year, only 46 percent of Michigan third-graders were at or above grade level in reading and writing, a sad fact that shows just how far our state has fallen in preparing our students to succeed.
It is vitally important to future learning and success that all students be able to read. We need more investments and strategies to help boost literacy rates, among all grade levels but particularly for early grades.
Fair funding for schools, financial aid for students and calling future colleagues.
Nearly 400 messages have been sent by Michiganders to the Governor and legislative leaders, urging Michigan to prioritize fairness in opportunity and equity in…
Statement and Brief on Gov. Whitmer’s Proposed Budget
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (Feb. 7, 2020) — The following statement may be attributed to Amber Arellano, executive director of The Education Trust-Midwest:“A high-qual…
Reading a focus of the Gov and a pledge for fair funding
In her second State of the State address, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke to the critical needs of ensuring that students are prepared to learn as the…
New Report: School Funding System Failing to Provide Equal Opportunities
Michigan is now in the bottom five states nationwide for equitable school funding, and should take immediate steps to invest much more in students from low-inc…
Michigan’s School Funding: Crisis and Opportunity
Michigan’s public education system is facing a crisis by many important measures. Compared to other U.S. states, Michigan ranks sixth from the bottom for educa…
Michigan education funding system fails to provide equal opportunity for all
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (Jan. 23, 2020) — Michigan is now in the bottom five states nationwide for equitable school funding, and should take immediate steps to invest…
Questions remain on state budget and keeping teachers of color teaching in our public schools
One week into the current fiscal year, questions remain about the future of key programs and priorities of Governor Whitmer and the state legislature.After bei…
State Budget Update and Inequities in Enrollment, Completion for Latino Student in Higher Ed.
In an unusual move, the School Aid Budget for the fiscal year that begins on October 1 was sent back to the conference committee after having previously passed…
A better education: equitable funding, high ed. accessibility & high expectations
Without agreement on school spending for the fiscal year that runs from October 2019 through September 2020, the state House of Representatives and Senate have…
Our take on Gov. Whitmer’s Education Budget. Plus news, updates and more.
Last week, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released her School Aid budget for the fiscal year that begins in October, which includes $500 million more for p…
Advancing Equity & Opportunity: Prioritizing Public Education in Michigan’s State Budget
Over the past several years, state leaders and the general public have recognized the serious and growing crisis in Michigan public education.During the last f…
Education Trust-Midwest Statement on the Diversion of School Aid Funds
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (Dec. 21, 2018) – Earlier today, the Michigan Legislature passed House Bill 4991, which will divert significant resources from Michigan public…
Michigan Students Cannot Afford Proposed School Aid Disinvestment
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (December 12, 2018) – Ensuring that Michigan public schools have the resources needed to provide an excellent and equitable education to every…
Mich. Ed. Update – July 3
Over the course of the summer, updates from The Education Trust-Midwest will be distributed on the first Tuesday of each month.Weekly updates will resume on Se…
Mich. Ed. Roundup – January 17
Revenue Estimates Show Need for Targeted InvestmentsOfficials from the State Treasurer’s office and the House and Senate fiscal agencies came together last wee…
Opportunities Realized and Lost: Equity and Excellence in Michigan’s Budget
Education and equity advocates have much to celebrate in this budget, including additional dollars for our most vulnerable students. Despite this progress, cha…
New State Budget: Risks Honest Data for Michigan Families, Yet Invests in Students Who Most Need It
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (June 22, 2017) – Proposing to go back to the days when Michiganders had no idea how their schools were truly performing compared to other sta…
Mich. Ed. Roundup – May 9
Funding Equity of Chief Concern among Black and Latino ParentsIn communities of color, there is an overwhelming sense of school funding inequities. Ninety perc…
Mich. Ed. Roundup – March 21
Under Pressure, State Supt. Drops Accountability PlanUnder pressure from the State Board of Education, State Superintendent Brian Whiston has backed away from …
Opportunities in Michigan’s State Budget for Advancing Equity in Public Education
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (March 21, 2017) – The proposed budget for Michigan’s public education system includes important investments for promoting quality and equity.…
