Talent & Education

Jason Strayhorn, a former Michigan State football standout, said he resigned and relocated because of his children’s out-of-state athletic and academic opportunities.

Tips about planned school attacks rolled in after the Oxford High School shooting. But the OK2SAY confidential tip line also allowed officials help students in distress, including those who were suicidal.

Detroit public schools are fully staffed and the volume of statewide teacher retirements — an imperfect barometer — is steady compared to years past. Challenges remain in Grand Rapids and some rural districts, but there is reason for optimism.

Michigan now has 10 alternative certification programs, intended to help reduce a shortage of classroom teachers by finding candidates outside traditional college education programs. Critics worry they compromise teaching standards, shortchanging students.

For the past three years, there have been 17 electric school buses across the state. After this month, there could be 150 more on the way, including some in rural areas.

A group representing Michigan charter schools accuses the DOE of adding new hurdles for charters to access federal money to open new schools. Supporters of the rules say they rein in problematic practices within the charter school industry.

George Grant Jr. said he does not believe universities should be ivory towers with transactional relationships with their communities. He vowed to be engaged and transparent and make the school welcoming for students.

About 700 Michigan schools have adopted the TRAILS program to help students manage their emotions, de-escalate conflict and make better decisions. The program received a huge funding increase in the latest budget deal.

The Flint schools superintendent said the year-round calendar, intended to reduce summer learning loss, doesn’t work for his district. But other school districts remain fans. The key, they say: community buy-in.

Wilson will have led the Detroit university for 10 years when he leaves next July. He said addressing an increasingly competitive market for students will be a major focus for the next president.

Private schools across the state benefitted from federal COVID relief funding, while they also had access to taxpayer money that public school districts did not: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Many private schools received both COVID relief funding and PPP loans, according to an analysis by the Detroit Free Press in collaboration with Chalkbeat Detroit and Bridge Michigan.

Tiny Hillsdale College is at the center of education battles in Florida and Tennessee, while expanding its influence in charter and private schools closer to home. Its conservative values could reshape schools in Michigan under a Republican governor.

Literacy advocate Rachel Vitti has left her position with Beyond Basics, which received a multi-million-dollar tutoring contract for Detroit schools. Her position at the nonprofit was disclosed to the education board before the contract was approved.

Michigan has more than 800 school districts, which previous governors have tried to combine to save on administrative costs. The new education budget contains $237 million aimed at getting school districts to consider consolidating.

The governor said the council is meant to amplify parents’ voices on educational issues. But Republicans call the council an election-year gimmick, as conservatives push for more parental control over classroom instruction.

It’s not just big-name stars who are reaping the benefits of new rules allowing college athletes to cut endorsement deals. Name, Image and Likeness policies are easing the financial struggles of thousands of student athletes.

Whitmer signed a $19.6 billion budget that includes $1.9 billion for services for students with disabilities. It also funds mental health, school safety, and recruitment effort

Will Santa Ono ever crowd surf in the Big House? We don’t know yet. Here’s what to know about his experience and what many hope he can bring to U-M.

Call him the anti-Schlissel. Ono, chosen Wednesday as U-M’s 15th president, is known for taking selfies with students, crowd surfing at football games, and engaging closely with students and faculty, all traits considered lacking in his predecessor.

Student safety is on the minds of school and community leaders throughout Michigan following last year’s shooting rampage at Oxford High School. Lansing-area officials met Monday to discuss the nuances of such policies