Lori Higgins
Bureau Chief, Chalkbeat Detroit
Lori Higgins is the Bureau Chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. Previously, she covered K-12 education for nearly two decades as a reporter for the Detroit Free Press, was a reporter and editor at the Green Bay Press Gazette, and a reporter at the Manhattan Mercury. She is a native of Chicago and product of Chicago Public Schools.
Writers from youth group Local Circles who surveyed their peers share some sobering stories and messages of hope.
The Education Trust-Midwest report offers recommendations for improving academic performance in Michigan schools
The editorial team’s best work reflects our commitment to our readers
Illya Tolbert, the art teacher at Bates Academy in Detroit, says he wants the students he teaches to have exposure to various art forms.
Democrats, who will soon control the legislature, could revise or repeal the Read by Grade 3 law
Superintendent outlines plans to spend the billionaire’s gift on tutoring in literacy and math, pending board approval
The discussion about changing names is part of a broader effort to revisit decisions made during the time the district was overseen by state appointed emergency managers.
Nikolai Vitti was one of nine finalists for the Urban Educator of the Year award.
Eighteen people are running for four seats to oversee the Detroit Public Schools Community District
Grant program helps students create safe spaces and activities that keep them connected
Chronic absenteeism, enrollment losses, facility upgrades, and a school board election are among key issues Chalkbeat Detroit will be prioritizing this school year
Our Chalkbeat Detroit team includes a soccer player, a record collector, a Ms. Pac Man aficionado, a sewing enthusiast, and an election worker
More than 60% of Michigan’s teaching workforce is over the age of 40, and the pipeline of new candidates is running low.
Fewer metro Detroit high school graduates are enrolling in college or training programs, a trend that could affect employers’ ability to fill jobs.
Schools are teetering between optimism and exhaustion two years into the pandemic.
Hamtramck Academy Principal Alvin Ward helms a school that recently was honored for its progress with some groups of students.
Detroit school district students and staff have been required to wear a mask in school buildings since the beginning of the school year.
As Detroit students return to school Monday, the deadline looms for parents in DPSCD to consent to COVID testing for their children.
Across the nation, many schools have returned to in-person learning after the winter break. But not Detroit.
Schools rely on the COVID rapid tests to determine if sick kids are infected, and to ensure those who’ve been quarantined are safe to return to buildings.
Detroit Superintendent Nikolai Vitti has described a new student COVID testing mandate, which goes into effect when physical classrooms reopen, as crucial to keeping schools safe.
Michigan’s schools have a lot to deal with in 2022, the biggest of which is whether the pandemic will continue to affect in-person instruction.
Parents in the Detroit Public Schools Community District have until Jan. 31 to turn in COVID testing consent forms if they want their children to learn in person
The pandemic has been tough on food service workers because of staff and supply shortages
Students won’t return to classes until after Wednesday and students who do not submit to testing will need to switch to virtual school.
Although the circumstances surrounding the shooting are unclear, in recent weeks students, staff, and parents across the nation have been feeling considerable pressure during a difficult school year.
The district says the remote Fridays will give staff extra time to deep-clean schools
Detroit has been hit hard by COVID and after a year and a half of pandemic learning, students and parents are getting mental health support
