Decades of research tells us that Michigan’s economic future and cultural vitality depends on the quality of our educational system, from pre-K through college, and recent achievement results from around the country provide hope and many lessons for Michigan to take to heart.
Statewide educational improvement is possible – and within our grasp. By making a sustained, comprehensive commitment and investment in the levers we know work, Michigan can get back on track.
School Media Specialists Critical for Resolving Reading Crisis
Kathy Lester is a school library media specialist with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and past president of the Michigan Association for Media in Education …
Bridge Michigan Opinion | Let’s get strategic in improving third-grade reading in Michigan
Like so many of you, I’m a native Michigander who grew up proud of what I believe are shared Michigan values: a hard work ethic, a passion for the Great Lakes,…
Michigan spent $80 million to improve early reading. Scores went down.
by Ron French, Bridge Once a week, Amanda Price volunteers in a first-grade classroom in Lakeshore Elementary in Holland. “They’re doing great,” said the form…
Mich. Ed. Roundup – March 6
Top-Ten for Education: Not By ChanceFor the first time in the state’s history, Michigan public schools are able to compare their performance in some subjects t…
Mich. dip in 3rd-grade reading worst of 11 states
by Jennifer Chambers, The Detroit News Despite investing heavily in early literacy since 2015, Michigan schools showed the largest decline in third-grade read…
Mich. Ed. Roundup – September 19
Observing Hispanic Heritage MonthThe following excerpt is from a September 18, 2017 blog post. Read the full post here.This year, Hispanic Heritage Month, whic…
Improving early literacy the right start
by Amber Arellano, The Detroit NewsThe start of a new school year is usually greeted with a great deal of optimism among teachers, parents and students alike. …
Education proposals this year could further harm Michigan students
Crain's Detroit Businessby Amber ArellanoWhatever you think about President-elect Donald Trump, it's clear that he has signaled a dramatically new direction fo…
Mich. Ed. Roundup – Nov. 22
From the Executive Director: A Moment for Education LeadersDear friends,Like you, my organization is deeply troubled by widespread reports of racially charged …
Michigan Falling Behind Nation in Early Reading
When children read well by third grade, they are dramatically more likely to succeed not only in school, but in life. They’re much more likely to excel in scho…
Early literacy bill a start; evidence-based practice and continued targeted investments the next step
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (Sept. 21, 2016) – Earlier today, the Michigan legislature passed House Bill 4822 (Price – R), a bill aimed at improving third-grade reading p…
FL Shows Path to Top Ten
Learning from Leading States: Florida's Upward TrajectoryMichigan’s students have lost substantial ground in student learning compared to other states over the…
Diploma in Hand but No Path Forward
Are Schools Preparing Students to be College- and Career-Ready? New Report Says No.Forty-seven percent. This figure represents the share of American high schoo…
Flurry of Action before Break & Detroit Scholarship
Tuition-Free Promise for All Detroit High School GradsLast week, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced that all Detroit high school graduates will be guaranteed …
Testimony on Early Literacy Bill: Improvement Starts with Good Policy
ETM Testifies on Early Literacy Legislation: Improvement Starts with Good PolicyEarlier today, The Education Trust-Midwest gave testimony on House Bill 4822, l…
Making Michigan a Top Ten State through Early Literacy
Thank you for giving us the chance to speak to you today about improving early literacy in the state of Michigan. I am Jason Mancini, director of government af…
Arellano: Good schools, smart state
by Amber Arellano, Executive DirectorMichigan student achievement is in free fall. Over the last decade, every group of students – white, black, brown, higher-…
Michigan Achieves: Summary
To become a top ten education state by 2030, Michigan needs to focus on and invest in the highest leverage strategies and learning opportunities for students. …
Becoming Top Ten – Starting with Early Literacy
Bill aimed at improving early literacy moves to the full houseAll Michigan students should have access to great educators and public schools – and be reading b…
Becoming Top Ten – Starting with Early Literacy
MI Lawmakers Focus on Early LiteracyThe Michigan House of Representatives has turned its attention to policies aimed at helping Michigan schoolchildren become …