Education and business leaders in Michigan are calling for a coordinated overhaul of the state’s education system, arguing that long-term economic growth depends on sustained improvements in student outcomes and stronger alignment across early childhood, K–12, and higher education.
The discussion took place at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, where leaders from education, philanthropy, and the private sector examined how Michigan can become a top 10 state for education performance.
The panel was moderated by Rip Rapson and included Nikolai Vitti, Elizabeth Birr Moje, and Jeff Donofrio.
A central concern raised during the discussion was Michigan’s long-term decline in national education rankings, attributed to frequent policy changes, inconsistent funding, and fragmented system leadership. Speakers warned that this instability has made it difficult to sustain meaningful academic progress over time.
Leaders emphasized that education reform is also an economic strategy. Weak educational outcomes, they argued, directly limit workforce readiness and reduce the state’s ability to attract and retain businesses.
A key example highlighted during the panel was the “cradle-to-career” model implemented at The School at Marygrove in Detroit. The initiative brings together schools, universities, community organizations, and philanthropy to create a continuous learning pathway from early childhood through high school and into college or careers.
Partners in the model include the Detroit Public Schools Community District, the University of Michigan, and community organizations such as Starfish Family Services.
The Marygrove initiative integrates project-based learning, teacher training, health and wellness services, and career pathways, aiming to support students holistically rather than focusing solely on academic metrics.
Educators noted that student success is closely tied to external factors such as housing stability, transportation access, and mental health support, reinforcing the need for a “whole child” approach to education reform.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of shifting from traditional “seat time” graduation requirements toward competency-based learning models that measure real-world skills, readiness, and mastery.
The panel concluded that while successful models like Marygrove demonstrate what is possible, scaling such reforms across the state will require long-term policy stability, consistent funding, and stronger coordination across education systems.
Leaders agreed that improving Michigan’s education system is not only an academic priority but also a foundational step toward strengthening the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.
