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To prosper, Michigan must be a more educated place. Bridge will explore the challenges in education and identify policies and initiatives that address them.
Articles
As coronavirus drives remote learning, many Michigan students will suffer
An analysis of K-12 schools found huge numbers of low-income students in rural and urban areas lack Internet access or the computers needed for online education. Without equal access, achievement gaps are likely to grow.
Students return to University of Michigan in fall. Football? Ask us later.
Students will return to campus in Ann Arbor, and at least some classes will be held in-person. But expect more online courses, fewer seats in dining halls, and a lot of face masks. Football? Ask later.
What we know about Michigan college plans in fall amid coronavirus
The coronavirus has left college officials with hard choices about the fall semester — bring students back, continue remote learning, or find a hybrid approach. Bridge will track plans as they are announced.
Michigan colleges aren’t seeing coronavirus enrollment drops they feared
Preliminary indicators for first-year enrollment are steady or higher at Michigan’s largest universities. That’s a huge relief for college officials, who worried many would avoid campus until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed.
With ‘no way’ to stay safe, coronavirus drives Michigan teacher to quit
Liza McArdle taught foreign languages for 27 years. Now, she’s saying adios to teaching, saying she fears safety precautions won’t be enough to protect her from catching potentially deadly COVID-19 at Huron High School.
Whitmer: Michigan students can return to class if coronavirus stays steady
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that schools will reopen in September. But what those classrooms will look like will vary greatly among school districts.
Pomp and scary circumstance: images of Michigan grads amid coronavirus
High school graduation season in Michigan is always a special time. This year was like no other.
Michigan launches a WiFi hotspot map to aid those lacking Internet access
It’s just a map, and there are only 300 hotspots marked so far, but a new interactive hotspot locator is a step in the right direction toward increasing broadband access.
Michigan colleges vow to reopen in fall. Experts say read the fine print.
Many colleges and universities are planning for students to return to campus in the fall. But there are caveats due to the unpredictability of COVID-19. And on campus or off, college life promises to be much different.
Poll: Michigan Dems, GOP disagree whether schools will be safe for kids
Reopening the state’s K-12 schools is a matter of education and health policy. But politics has a big impact on views, according to a new poll.
No band, buses or sports? Budget cuts could cripple Michigan schools
School leaders across the state are pleading for federal funding to ease otherwise crippling budget cuts caused by coronavirus revenue shortfalls.
Nearly a third of Michigan educators mull quitting because of coronavirus
A survey of Michigan educators reveals that thousands may flee schools because of the pandemic, putting further strain on a school system facing budget cuts and uncertain public health restraints.
MSU’s likely fall plan: face masks, takeout food and Saturday classes
College will be a far different experience for students in East Lansing in September, as the school works to keep students and staff safe from the coronavirus pandemic.
MSU football may return amid coronavirus but with fewer fans and face masks
MSU President Samuel Stanley suggests college football could return safely, but with lots of testing, only 20 percent of Spartan Stadium filled and fans in face masks. Welcome to COVID college football.
A tale of two states: Ohio and New York take different paths to budget cuts for schools
“I am certainly encouraged to see a state leader deciding to shield its high-poverty districts from the bulk of these cuts,” said one expert.
Michigan State to bring students back to campus in fall amid coronavirus
Classes will be back in session in East Lansing, but students will leave at Thanksgiving. Football weekends? Those are still up in the air.
Two days in school, three at home? That’s the plan in one Michigan district.
With continued coronavirus fears, West Bloomfield Public Schools will bring most kids into classrooms only two days a week this fall. Will other school districts follow suit?
Conservative appeals court to rehear Detroit 'right to read' lawsuit
The full U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to rehear a Detroit literacy case and reconsider a groundbreaking panel ruling that students have a fundamental right to a basic education.
Shirkey: Don’t cut Michigan schools budget despite $1.2 billion shortfall
Michigan’s K-12 schools face a $1.2 billion shortfall for the school year ending in June. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says he will push the feds to fill the gap. But next year’s school budget is in far greater danger.
Laptops and bathrobes: Michigan State’s virtual graduation amid coronavirus
How do you celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic? We talked to Michigan State University grads about making the best of Saturday’s ceremony and what’s next.