Michigan
News, analysis, and opinion about K-12 education in Michigan
School & District Management
Detroit Schools Bailout Deal Faces Resistance From Mayor, Teachers
With the district expected to run out of money by the end of June, the clock is ticking on the deadline for a new deal. The Republican-controlled Senate could vote on the package as early as next week.
Curriculum
Should Students Be Able to Replace Foreign Language With Coding?
Michigan is the latest state to consider allowing students to replace foreign language classes with coding classes.
School Climate & Safety
Feds Uncover $1.2 Million Tutoring Scam in Detroit Schools
Carolyn Starkey Darden, who allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices for tutoring services, is the latest current or former Detroit schools administrator facing criminal charges.
Families & the Community
Detroit Parents Face Long Commutes to Take Children to School
A story in Chalkbeat Detroit illustrates how school choice can create burdens for families, who must travel far to go to schools outside their neighborhoods.
Budget & Finance
Detroit Teachers Return to Class After Two-Day Protest
Coordinated teacher sickouts had closed 94 of the district's 97 schools Monday and Tuesday, leaving tens of thousands of students out of class.
Budget & Finance
Teacher Sickouts Close Most Detroit Schools for Second Straight Day
The union protests comes at a time when state lawmakers are weighing a $715 million aid package to save the district from financial collapse.
Budget & Finance
Teacher Protests Shut Down More Than 90 Schools in Detroit
The protest comes in response to an announcement that the district will run out of money at the end of June and may not be able to pay teachers for work they've already done.
Student Well-Being & Movement
President Obama to Visit Flint to Learn More About Water Contamination Crisis
Months after the water crisis emerged, the 5,500-student district is still supplying students and staff members with bottled water in an effort to reduce their exposure.
Law & Courts
Detroit School Board Lawsuit Targets Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder
The suit seeks class-action status on behalf of roughly 58,000 students who have attended classes in the district since 2011.
School Climate & Safety
Feds Charge 13 Detroit Schools Leaders in Bribery, Kickback Scheme
Among the principals charged is the head of a Detroit school that's slated to receive more than $500,000 worth of donations and renovations secured by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
Budget & Finance
Financially Strapped Detroit Schools Can't Pay Employees After April 8
State lawmakers are considering legislation to rescue the Detroit schools, which is saddled with more than $500 million in debt and dozens of dilapidated school buildings
States
Detroit Administrator Appointed as Interim Schools Superintendent
Alycia Meriweather will oversee all academics in Detroit, historically one of the nation's lowest performing. A former middle school science teacher, Meriweather began her career in the district 20 years ago.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Head Start Sends Emergency Funds to Help Children in Flint, Mich.
More than $3 million will be used to expand the early-education program for children from low-income families, as well as assist parents in making doctor's visits.
School & District Management
Departed Detroit Schools Leader Negotiated $83K Payout Before Resigning
Darnell Earley faced mounting criticism in the role, with teachers staging coordinated sick-outs in December and January to protest the district's decaying buildings, large class sizes, and declining pay and benefits.