Michigan Legislature
Amid a literacy crisis in Michigan, these educators want nearly every public school in the state to have a library and a certified librarian.
The sponsor of the bill says it would create a culture of expectation that formal education must begin early.
The board on Tuesday signaled to lawmakers that they want new laws to reform the state’s charter school system.
Home-schooling advocates in Michigan say requiring registration would be the first step toward government interference.
The legislation was inspired by the “heartbreaking” stories of Michigan foster youth.
On Wednesday, groups that support students considered to be at-risk asked legislators to continue to increase funding for programs that benefit children with high needs.
Two years after first introduced, lawmakers began considering bills aimed at preventing violence in Michigan schools.
The majority of states in the U.S. don’t require kindergarten attendance.
The state has allocated $328 million to improve student mental health in 2024, but school mental health workers say it’s not enough.
As the state works to solve the ongoing teacher shortage, advocates are asking legislators to fund retention efforts in addition to educator pipelines.
Some requirements in the bills were changed in response to school officials’ concerns that staffing shortages would make compliance impossible.
State payments on retirement debt freed up $670 million that is helping fund many of Whitmer’s education initiatives.
n Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee began hearing testimony from students, parents, and teachers who want more structured phonic literacy instruction for all public school students.
The governor also said she plans to include free breakfasts and lunches in her budget proposal, extending what was offered this year.
Supporters say it will help more teens see college as an option. But skeptics say it might create another barrier.
Bills awaiting action in the Senate would help improve record-keeping and enforce educational standards.
Elections, school funding, a new state department, and other issues that will define education this year.
The year’s big stories included victories for the Democratic education agenda, a groundbreaking school aid budget, and a fiscal reckoning in Detroit.
The new majority enacted record funding for public K-12 schools and reversed GOP initiatives on reading, testing, and collective bargaining rights. Critics say they undermined accountability.
Members of the board said they felt the resolution needed more research and input from officials.