Detroit challenges
The Rev. Larry Simmons wondered why children were roaming the streets of Brightmoor during school hours. That was the start of a campaign that continues today. Schools “need other partners to come to the table,” he says.
Detroit and suburban charter schools that enroll large numbers of city students have overall seen a bigger enrollment drop than Detroit district schools.
Detroit Public Schools Community District focused on one-time items that would help students get back in the classroom, and address infrastructure needs.
Results are beginning to climb back above pre-pandemic levels.
“This year’s school aid budget represents a giant step toward righting past wrongs,” said Alice Thompson from the NAACP Detroit branch.
The options vary based on where you live and which school the student attends.
Writers from youth group Local Circles who surveyed their peers share some sobering stories and messages of hope.
Investments are welcome news for a city working to recover from generations of disinvestment.
Duggan administration shelves a planned $6 million investment in child care infrastructure for other priorities
Chalkbeat Detroit and WDET are co-hosting a candidate forum at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 13
Grant program helps students create safe spaces and activities that keep them connected
National charter school operators have largely avoided confronting the immense student need, fierce competition, and low regulation that characterize the school landscape in Detroit.
Chronic absenteeism, enrollment losses, facility upgrades, and a school board election are among key issues Chalkbeat Detroit will be prioritizing this school year
District taps COVID relief funds to support family-friendly Summer on the Block events, summer programming and door-to-door outreach
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti faces questions on the district’s choices on tutoring programs
Fewer metro Detroit high school graduates are enrolling in college or training programs, a trend that could affect employers’ ability to fill jobs.
Michigan’s pupil accounting rules allow six school closures per year known as “forgiven days.” They’re most often used for snow, but with staff shortages, COVID-outbreaks, and threats of school violence, districts are draining their pool of forgiven days.
More than a third of families surveyed reported internet and computer issues during the school year, researchers found, contributing in part to the rise in absenteeism.
The Marygrove Early Childhood Education Center in Detroit is one of the major initiatives of the Hope Starts Here effort that seeks to provide quality options for young children.
Researchers who studied data on Detroit’s homeless student population say schools should invest in helping staff better identify students who need services.
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