Ed Trust-Midwest Virtual Panel to Tackle Steps to Michigan’s Educational Recovery

More than a year into the pandemic and unfinished learning, an Ed Trust-Midwest public webinar will explore the state of Michigan education now — and what to do next

ROYAL OAK, MI – More than a year into the pandemic and unfinished learning, much remains unknown about the extent of learning loss among Michigan’s students. To ensure educational recovery, The Education Trust-Midwest is hosting an expert-led virtual panel discussion exploring solutions to help Michigan students catch up and accelerate their learning.

The discussion, Michigan’s Educational Recovery: What Now, What Next?, will include learnings from leading education states, including Tennessee and Connecticut. The panel will include a representative from Governor Whitmer’s Student Recovery Advisory Council on next steps for Michigan.

When: May 6 at noon. Register here.

“The pandemic’s disruptions have had a far-reaching impact over two school years, creating tremendous challenges for all Michigan students, families and educators, but especially those in underserved communities,” said Amber Arellano, executive director of the Education Trust-Midwest, a non-profit, non-partisan education research and advocacy organization.

Arellano cited early studies that suggest vulnerable students are likely to experience the greatest learning loss amid the pandemic.

“Now is the time to tackle this crisis with solution-oriented steps to ensure a full educational recovery and acceleration in learning for every Michigan student,” she said. “Our panelists will shed light on strategies from leading education states, showcase promising plans in Michigan, and explore proven research known to raise student achievement.”

The webinar, which will be free and open to the public, will include the following guests:

• Ajit Gopalakrishnan, Chief Performance Officer, Connecticut State Department of Education
• Sara Heyburn Morrison, Ed.D., Executive Director, Tennessee State Board of Education
• Kevin Polston, Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Chair, Michigan Student Recovery Advisory Council

The public conversation builds upon Ed Trust-Midwest’s efforts to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement among Michigan’s children, particularly students of color, English learners, students with disabilities and children from low-income backgrounds. Learn more at www.edtrustmidwest.org