Michigan’s Path Forward: Why the Answers Are Already Here

Recent reports have once again placed Michigan near the bottom nationally in student academic outcomes. Headlines focus on comparisons—Can Michigan replicate the “Mississippi Miracle”? Should we look to Finland or Norway for the blueprint?

These questions are understandable, but at the Equity Collaborative, we believe the most powerful solutions aren’t overseas or out of state. They’re already here.

Research on collective efficacy—the shared belief among educators that they can positively influence student learning—remains one of the strongest predictors of school improvement. That belief begins with trusting the expertise, innovation, and lived experience of Michigan’s own educators. #michiganfirst.

Across the state, remarkable leaders are already making measurable gains in access, opportunity, and student success. Many of them are alumni and colleagues from Michigan State University’s doctoral programs—scholars whose applied research is reshaping classrooms, districts, and communities. Yet much of their work has not been amplified in the way it deserves.

We intend to change that.

This year, the Equity Collective is launching Coffee with the Doctors, an initiative designed to elevate groundbreaking dissertations-in-practice and the educators behind them. Through a new podcast series and Edutopia-style articles published on our website, we will spotlight Michigan leaders whose research offers practical, actionable insights for classrooms across the state.

Our goal is simple:

Unearth the brilliance. Share it widely. And ensure Michigan educators see themselves—and their expertise—as central to solving Michigan’s most pressing educational challenges.

We look forward to bringing these voices to the forefront soon.