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Even superintendents who championed returning students to classrooms in Michigan are finding it difficult to keep doors open full-time this year amid staff shortages, outbreaks and behavioral issues. Critics say schools should do more.
Some Michigan students are getting a week-long Thanksgiving break, the result of COVID outbreaks and school staffing shortages. Outbreaks are up 61 percent in one week.
Michigan superintendents are worried about meeting the required 180 days and 1,098 hours of instruction required for their full allocations of state funding
School buildings are closing for the same reasons as restaurants, and there doesn’t appear to be a quick solution to not enough bus drivers, teacher aides and other workers
A teacher shortage in the state’s public schools has grown worse during the pandemic. State Supt. Michael Rice wants to make it easier to certify teachers while providing financial incentives to get more young people into the profession.
Some local health departments plan to rescind mask orders over the holidays, while others have mandates that will stick around until COVID transmission levels drop.
Kindergarten enrollment was down 11.3 percent across Michigan last year as parents chose to keep their students home rather than face the COVID health risk.
The veto sets the stage for a petition drive Republicans hope to use to circumvent the Democratic governor’s objections to an effort critics say would drain money from public schools and violate the state’s constitution.
More than 800,000 Michigan children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible for Pfizer’s COVID vaccine. But a good portion of parents who are otherwise supportive of COVID vaccines are hesitating. Their doctors are ready to talk.
The Michigan House dove into the national debate over critical race theory on Tuesday when the GOP forced through a bill sharply restricting school lessons that promote race or gender stereotyping.
The CDC’s advisory committee voted unanimously Tuesday to allow the Pfizer vaccine to be given to younger children. Michigan already has 278,000 doses ready for kids.
My goal is to put the needs of Michigan’s students and families above all else. Each student needs different things to support their growth as they pursue a career, college or whatever path life might take them.
The group behind the petition drive intends to work with the GOP Legislature to evade a veto by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Critics say it’s another GOP effort to use public money for private schools that runs afoul of the Michigan Constitution.
The FDA authorized the Pfizer pediatric vaccine Friday, following recommendations from its advisory committee. Next up: CDC consideration Tuesday, which means the vaccine could be authorized for young children by the end of next week.
Many Michigan students are feeling the effects of the tight labor market as schools struggle to fill a wide range of positions, from teachers to nurses to social workers.
The Pfizer pediatric vaccine, shown as 91 percent effective for children 5 to 11, cleared an FDA advisory panel Tuesday. Gov. Whitmer is seeking to expedite shipment of the vaccine, which could be approved by next week.
The GOP measures blocking mask and vaccine orders are likely DOA if they reach Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Republicans say the bills give parents control over health decisions. Democrats say they ignore science.
More than 800,000 Michigan children are in this age group. Pfizer says its vaccine is 91 percent effective in keeping young children free of COVID-19. If approved, young children may be eligible for vaccines by early November.
