At EdTrust-Midwest, we work to improve opportunity in education from preschool through college. Partnering with communities, we provide in-depth analysis, evidence-based research and policy solutions, and expert guidance to shape policies and practices that expand opportunity, access, and success for all learners. Together, we are driving change and creating the conditions where every student thrives.
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,…
Detroit News Opinion | Has education in Michigan hit bottom?
For the first time in state history, Michigan public schools are able to compare their performance in some subjects to nearly a dozen other states across the c…
Michigan Gambled on Charter Schools. Its Children Lost.
By Mark Binelli, The New York Times MagazineFree-market boosters, including Betsy DeVos, promised that a radical expansion of charter schools would fix the sta…
Dropping the M-STEP could ‘sabotage’ new school accountability system, group argues
by Brian McVicar, MLiveChanging Michigan's standardized test could "undermine" a new school accountability system proposed by the Michigan Department of Educat…
High academic standards help all students succeed
by Cheryl CorpusHigh academic standards are needed now more than ever.Growing up in a rural, blue-collar town here in Michigan, I often struggled to understand…
How to make Michigan a top education state
by Amber Arellano and Ken WhippleMichigan is facing a historic moment for the state and its children, a moment when our citizens and leaders must choose whethe…
Detroit’s Educational Catastrophe
by Beth Hawkins, The AtlanticThree months into her son’s first pass at third grade, Arlyssa Heard had a breakdown. Judah was bright, but had begun calling hims…
ETM proposes accountability for charter school authorizers
by Rachel Weick, Grand Rapids Business JournalMichigan’s statewide charter school system’s report card remains low compared to other leading academic performin…
Michigan: The Poster Child for How Not to do Charter Schools
by Amber ArellanoBehind the Detroit schools crisis lies a troubling charter school sector.As Detroit Public Schools' teacher sick-outs and mounting debt captur…
Here’s to Making Charter Schools Better in Michigan
by Valentina Korkes, Education PostBeing from Michigan, generally, is a wonderful thing. Great people, Great Lakes, you get the picture.When it’s not so wonder…
Bringing failing charter schools to heel
Detroit Free PressGov. Snyder and would-be education reformers in both parties talk ad nauseum about holding allMichigan’s schools accountable. But charter sch…
New report calls for more accountability for charter school authorizers
by Rebecca Kruth, Michigan RadioA new report out today from Education Trust-Midwest says some charter school authorizers in Michigan aren't doing their jobs ve…
We need performance-based charter authorizing system
by Amber Arellano and Sunil JoyWith roughly half of Michigan’s charter schools ranking in the bottom quarter of all public schools for academic performance, it…
Gains seen, but more work needed for charter authorizers
by Lori Higgins, Detroit Free PressCharter school authorizers are making better decisions about the opening and closing of schools in Michigan, but it's not en…
GVSU ‘first charter school authorizer’ in Michigan to receive accreditation by third-party group
by Brian McVicar, MLiveGRAND RAPIDS, MI - Grand Valley State University's charter schools office has been recommended for accreditation by a third-party educat…
Detroit charter schools show gains, but lag behind state
By Lori Higgins, Detroit Free PressThe average Detroit charter school student is showing stronger academic improvement than peers in Detroit Public Schools, ac…
Michigan must continue to hold schools accountable for achievement gaps
by Amber Arellano and Sunil JoyGreat schools for all students and reliable school information for parents should be a given in Michigan – not a privilege. With…
Charter school authorizers should strive to improve schools
By Brian Gutman and Sunil JoyLast month, The Education Trust-Midwest released a report and scorecard on charter school authorizer accountability, “Accountabili…
Charter Schools: More Battles Everywhere You Look
By Rick Cohen, The Nonprofit QuarterlyThe turbulent world of charter schools, covered here because many or most are managed by nonprofits, continues just about…
