ICYMI: Crain’s Detroit Blasts Whitmer’s Education Record

Lansing, MI – Last week, Crain’s Detroit Business published an editorial detailing the failings of the education system under Governor Gretchen Whitmer. It notes the steep drops in student achievement:

“Unfortunately, there is no shortage of statistics to show Michigan children are falling behind their peers when it comes to educational attainment. Many describe the situation as a “crisis,” a word that is easy to overuse but is perfectly apt to describe what is going on in the state’s classrooms.”

In 2024, Michigan students recorded their lowest English Language Arts (ELA) M-STEP scores in the 11-year history of the test. Less than 40% of third-grade students were proficient in ELA.

It goes on to call out Whitmer and her lack of commitment to education directly:

“Last month, term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared that she would make literacy her No. 1 priority during her final year in office. That’s nice – but it’s a bit late.”

Whitmer has had a tumultuous relationship with education during her time in office. From shutting down Michigan schools for months on end to repealing literacy standards, she and her allies have only made the situation worse. Instead of holding schools and educators accountable, Lansing Democrats removed the A-F grading system and watered down teacher evaluations. 

“Every step Gretchen Whitmer has taken has been in the wrong direction,” said Gabe Butzke, a spokesperson for Michigan Forward Network. “Parents and kids deserve a governor who cares about education from start to finish, not just as the clock is winding down.”

You can read the entire editorial here.