The state’s chronic absenteeism rates have decreased for the fourth year in a row, but more than a fourth of students are missing 10% or more of the school year.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inEducation
See how your local Michigan school district did in the 2026 M-STEP
Scores vary across the state. Use this tool to look up your local school.
Posted inEducation
Michigan reading scores drop again. State superintendent: ‘We need to improve’
Michigan students took standardized tests in the spring. But reading scores have dropped slightly from the year before across grades.
Posted inEducation, Jobs & Economic Development, Michigan Government
Michigan is spending $150M on one-time ‘educator’ bonuses. Here’s how it works
Michigan starting teacher pay is near the bottom while average teacher pay is middle of the pack. One lawmaker says the bonuses can help offset rising costs.
Posted inEducation, Michigan Government
How 4-year-olds are giving Michigan districts an incentive to build, expand
As Michigan pushes for pre-K expansion, schools build new early childhood hubs.
Posted inEducation, Michigan Government
Benson education plan: Up teacher pay, tackle absenteeism, change constitution
Jocelyn Benson is releasing a wide-ranging education plan calling for more pre-K, career tech and service opportunities
Posted inEducation, Michigan Government
What to know about school tax credit program. Will Michigan opt in or stay out?
Michigan private and public school students could benefit from a federal tax credit scholarship program. Here’s what to know.
Posted inEducation
Michigan tests expanding free ‘pre-K for all’ to home child-care providers
A new program tests no-cost pre-K in home child care settings. Up until now, students had to attend a school or child care center to qualify for the free option.