education

Former Ypsilanti school superintendent Dr. Benjamin Edmondson announced on WEMU that he has taken a new position not far from his old job.

With classes getting underway, the superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Scott Menzel, talks with WEMU's Lisa Barry about what they will be focusing on as the new academic year begins.

As a music teacher in the Ann Arbor public school district for 43 years, Linda Carter experienced many “Wonder Woman” jokes and comparisons sharing the same name as the woman who played the TV character with special powers.  She even learned they share the same birthday and hopes to meet her some day. 

Carter was also president of the Ann Arbor teachers' union, the Ann Arbor Education Association. for 30 years. She says both positions took a lot of the same skills set to manage and maintain, and mixed well.

Members of Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees want interim president John Engler to step down.  Trustees Brian Mosallam and Dianne Byrum released statements Friday.

High schools in Michigan might have to add financial literacy to their curriculum.  Schools would have to offer a class on personal finance management skills like spending, saving, borrowing and investing to 11th and 12th graders.  That’s if a bipartisan bill making its way through the state Legislature is passed.

Exposing all generations of people to nature and engendering a connection and appreciation for the outdoors.  That is a big part of what is happening at the Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor.  For those that participate, it is making a difference.  In this week's 'creative:impact' segment, WEMU's David Fair and president and CEO of the Arts Alliance, Deb Polich, further explore the difference the center is making now and for the future. 

The largest teacher job fair in Michigan is taking place today on the Eastern Michigan University campus.

Michigan universities might have to report all campus sexual assaults to their governing boards.

The state says it can improve low student test scores and get more kids into skilled trades.

The University of Michgan's Ellen Rowe and Michael Jewett discuss a showcase of jazz performances ahead of a celebration and tribute to the late pianist and composer, Geri Allen, which will be held on Thursday evening at the Ark in Ann Arbor.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility.  Since The Americans With Disabilities Act was passed by Congress in 1990, accessibility has fortunately moved beyond a check list of "must meet" requirements to a desire to work towards making arts and cultural facilities and programs accessible to the broadest possible audiences.  And, it has not been by mandate.  The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum's 'My Turn' program is an example of this shift.  In 'creative:impact' this week, you'll meet Larissa Kunynskyj and Gwen Dunlop.  Larissa is the Accessibility Programs Coordinator at the Hands-On Museum.  Gwen is a parent whose personal experience led her to found and operate Aim High School to serve those on the autism spectrum and to help inspire the 'My Turn' program.  

State schools superintendent Brian Whiston is stepping down to concentrate on his battle with cancer.

In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair speaks to Dr. Charles Simmons, Professor Emeritus of Journalism and Law at Eastern Michigan University, about EMU's upcoming EcoJustice and Activism Conference.

Governor Rick Snyder wants to spend more on Michigan students.  The governor made the announcement during his State of the State address last night.

Governor Rick Snyder can expect a controversial bill on his desk soon.  Lawmakers have passed legislation to send more money to charter schools. 

While Toyota is among the automakers displaying its new and future vehicles at the Detroit International Auto Show this week, its presence continues to be felt in Washtenaw County.  The car company is a major employer and is investing in area students and cultural organizations.  That's the focus of our "creative:impact" conversation with Toyota North American Community Relations Consultant, Praveena Ramaswami. 

A new report says it costs at least $9,600 to properly educate a student in Michigan’s public schools.  The goal of the study is to force a conversation on overhauling school funding. 

Michigan schools aren’t quite on board with legislation to teach more skilled trades and technical education in schools.  But with a few changes, they might get there soon.

Michigan needs to create more opportunities for kids of color.  That’s according to advocates after a new report was released Tuesday.  The report shows that African-American kids in Michigan fare worse in areas like education than in any other state.

Each week, WEMU is sitting down with Brianna Kelly from Concentrate Media to discuss their latest work on the "On The Ground Ypsilanti" project.

Today the conversation is about a program within the Ypsilanti Community Schools, YCS @ Work, which for the last two years has been partnering high school students internship opportunities that align with their career interests with the goal of exposing students to different careers and posibilities. Patrick Campion chats with OTG's  Brianna Kelly and Kharena Keith,  YCS' coordinator of Wellness and Community partnerships.

The Legislature ends its summer recess this week and returns to Lansing.  Governor Rick Snyder will have a to-do list waiting.

The Michigan State Board of Education deadlocked along party lines Tuesday on a model student code of conduct.  The major issue was protecting students from discrimination based on their gender identity.

It is the first total eclipse happening in nearly 40 years but will only be partially visible from Southeast Michigan.  I spoke with Eastern Michigan University professor and director of Sherzer Observatory Norbert Vance about what we can expect to see and experience when the eclipse occurs on August 21st.

A judge says the state cannot reimburse private and parochial schools for any expenses, even if they’re the result of state mandates.  The judge was responding to a legal challenge to the state budget.