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.
Budget breakdown: How the FY26 School Aid Budget is Supporting Michigan’s Teachers
Teacher shortages impact communities across the state – from Monroe to Marquette – but we know that these challenges are not felt equitably. Indeed, an EdTrust…
Budget Breakdown: Investing More in Students with the Greatest Needs
While the federal government shutdown continues, Michigan lawmakers recently set an example of putting aside their differences and doing the right thing by pas…
Impact of Federal Shutdown Could Ripple Through America’s Schools
As the federal government’s shutdown endures into its second week, the effects are rippling across the education landscape and could soon be felt in the nation…
Lawmakers pass a bipartisan school aid budget that invests more in students with the greatest needs
Early Friday morning, the legislature, in a bi-partisan vote, approved a school aid budget that increases funding for schools, while investing more in student…
Statement: EdTrust-Midwest Lauds Policymakers for Investments in Students with the Greatest Needs
Today, the legislature proposed a school aid budget that increases funding for schools, including raising the foundation allowance by 4.6% to $10,0…
M-STEP scores underscore urgency to pass a School Aid Budget that prioritizes students with the greatest needs
Michigan’s 2024-2025 M-STEP results released Wednesday again demonstrated wide opportunity gaps among Michigan's students, underscoring the urgent need to prio…
Poll finds funding schools a top priority in Michigan
As the House and Senate enter the final stretch of their budget negotiations, fixing the roads continues to be a top priority for House Republicans and Governo…
Statement by the statewide, non-partisan coalition, Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity (MPEO) coalition, on the recently passed Michigan House FY 2026 Budget
The MPEO coalition and its leaders oppose the House passed budget because it does not adequately meet the needs of our most vulnerable students. Instead, this …
One District’s Story of the Potential Impact of the Opportunity Index for Students from low-Income Backgrounds
By Dr. Jeffrey J. Thoenes, Superintendent Comstock Public Schools (CPS), an urban school district in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is in the midst of a turnaround. Thro…
EdTrust-Midwest’s three-point action plan aims to put Michigan back on track to becoming a Top 10 Education State
EdTrust-Midwest's 2025 State of Michigan Education Report, Meeting the Moment, includes important new data and research on how Michigan leaders can meet the mo…
New Analyses: Michigan in Bottom Ten in Nation for School Funding Weights for Students from Low-Income Backgrounds Amid Greatest Threat to Public Education in Decades
Statewide Bipartisan Coalition Calls on Michigan Policymakers to Prioritize Investing in Michigan’s Most Vulnerable Students after Decades-Long Underinvestment…
New Analyses: Michigan in Bottom Ten in Nation for School Funding Weights for Students from Low-Income Backgrounds Amid Greatest Threat to Public Education in Decades
Amid the greatest threat to public education in decades and continued sluggish recovery for Michigan student learning following the pandemic, a diverse biparti…
Lifting Partner Voices at Michigan’s Capitol
This week, EdTrust-Midwest and members of the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity (MPEO) coalition joined together for our third annual Advocacy Da…
Advocacy in Action in D.C.
EdTrust-Midwest in April hosted a delegation of Michigan leaders to join dozens of other equity advocates from around the country to meet with Michigan's Congr…
EdTrust-Midwest Presents on Teacher Shortages and Student Access to Quality Teachers at the Capitol
Today, EdTrust-Midwest’s Director of Government Affairs, Jeff Cobb, and Director of Policy and Research, Dr. Jen DeNeal, presented to the House Education and W…
Michigan Students in Poorest Districts More Likely To Have Less-Qualified Teachers
‘Stark’ gaps: Students are 16 times more likely to learn from a temporary- or emergency-credentialed teacher than peers in the richest districts.By Amanda Gedu…
“Everyone needs a teacher, just like they need a doctor. Let’s value and respect our educators for the sake of the future of this country. ”
By: Yara Barbosa K-12 educator, Grand Rapids, MIExperienced teachers bring so many strengths that we need to KEEP in our classrooms so our students can have th…
“Almost every teacher at my school has some kind of side gig to supplement their income.”
By: Elizabeth ToyeK-12 educator, Southeastern, MIAs a high school teacher in southeastern Michigan, educator shortages have directly impacted my ability to do …
“We have more teachers leaving the profession than wanting to become a teacher, especially in special education”
By: Katherine Grass K-12 educator, Lansing, MII am a first-grade teacher and have seen a huge change in the profession over the last 20 years. When I applied …
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“As a K-4 principal, I have faced significant challenges due to teacher shortages in various ways. One of the most pressing issues arose during my fourth year …
