Scores in math and English/Language Arts were mostly down this year compared to before the pandemic on the Michigan standardized test known as M-STEP. The results are likely to heavily impact education spending priorities.
There is a steep increase this year in the percentage of third-graders behind in reading skills — a troubling trend that was far worse for students who spent significant time learning remotely when they were in second grade during the pandemic.
In perhaps the most comprehensive portrait of academic loss brought on by COVID, math and reading scores for the nation’s 9-year-olds suffered generational declines between 2020 and 2022. The losses spanned races and income levels, though the lowest-performing students suffered the largest declines.
Bills that would restrict how schools teach about racism and other highly-charged topics have yet to pass. But there are signs that pushback from some parents and interest groups are making an impact in classrooms.
State lawmakers approved funding to ensure students in grades 8 through 12 develop a deeper understanding of the state’s 12 federally recognized tribes, tribal governance, the Trail of Tears and the history of abuse at federally funded boarding schools.
Districts across the state are relaxing mask requirements, routine COVID testing, social distancing rules, and 10-day quarantines this back-to-school season.
Saying she was ‘appalled’ by the possible closure of an Ottawa County library, romance novelist Nora Roberts steps in with a $50,000 donation and a willingness to send more. Donations now exceed next year’s budget shortfall for the library.
As classes begin for the fall, new state policies reflect the push to get more trained teachers in classrooms, more food in school cafeterias and safer conditions on school buses.
We are improving health outcomes, leveling the educational playing field, and helping Michiganders get good-paying, high-skilled jobs. We are closing equity gaps and building a state where no matter who you are, you have what you need to succeed.
When students with disabilities are unable to engage with content being used in the classroom, they miss out on enriching educational experiences and their fellow students miss out on their peers’ valuable contributions to classroom discussions and activities.
Jason Strayhorn, a former Michigan State football standout, said he resigned and relocated because of his children’s out-of-state athletic and academic opportunities.
Tips about planned school attacks rolled in after the Oxford High School shooting. But the OK2SAY confidential tip line also allowed officials help students in distress, including those who were suicidal.
Detroit public schools are fully staffed and the volume of statewide teacher retirements — an imperfect barometer — is steady compared to years past. Challenges remain in Grand Rapids and some rural districts, but there is reason for optimism.
Michigan now has 10 alternative certification programs, intended to help reduce a shortage of classroom teachers by finding candidates outside traditional college education programs. Critics worry they compromise teaching standards, shortchanging students.
Monkeypox risk is higher on college campuses, where it can be spread through sexual activity and the close quarters of dorm life and parties, health officials said. But the risk isn’t zero for school-age children.
The Biden administration bowed to the reality that COVID-19 is here to stay and most Americans are better equipped to fend off serious illness. The new rules place more emphasis on individual responsibility.
The Patmos Library in Ottawa County has attracted donations from as far away as Australia. Meanwhile, some of the books that upset residents aren’t sexually explicit.