In the Conversation
If a white paper is never read, can it have an impact? We don’t think so. That’s why EPIC’s team is active “in the conversation” and public dialogue around K-12 education through publications, presentations, panels, articles and media interviews.
Publications and presentations
Michigan Teacher Shortage Study: 2026 Report
This is the fifth in a series of annual reports about teacher shortages in Michigan that the state legislature requested in December 2020 (2020 PA 316). Despite several years of significant state investments in the educator pipeline, teacher shortages persist throughout Michigan in varying ways and to varying extents.
Round 4 of the Partnership Model: 2024-25 Implementation Report
This report examines school improvement efforts of Partnership districts and schools during the 2024-25 school year. Then it moves to the intervention’s implementation of improvement strategies — focusing mainly on human capital, curriculum and instruction, and student attendance.
Michigan’s 2024-25 Benchmark Assessments
This is the seventh report in a series prepared for the governor and the House and Senate standing committees responsible for education legislation. It is designed to help interpret and contextualize assessment results and students’ progress toward learning goals in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan English Learners: State-of-the-State
This report documents trends in ELs’ enrollment, reclassification, and academic achievement, as well as educator preparation and funding that supports EL services. It provides the first comprehensive, statewide portrait of Michigan’s English learners (EL) population.
EPSS: Michal Kurlaender
DATE: April 17, 2026
10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
LOCATION: 252 Erickson Hall
EPSS: Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj
DATE: February 20, 2026
10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
LOCATION: 252 Erickson Hall
Media and Events
TeachMichigan: A big bet on Michigan’s teachers and leaders
TeachMichigan has partnered with Michigan State University’s Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) to evaluate their new initiative. The initiative supports high-impact educators at all levels within a school – from early career educators to mentor teachers, to school leaders and district leaders.
Report ranks Michigan 44th in nation for fourth-grade reading
Elementary reading scores are on the decline across the U.S., but new research shows other states are managing better than Michigan.
Male teacher shortage continues to be a problem in Michigan
A recent report found widespread teacher shortages to be a continuing problem in Michigan, with male teachers in especially short supply.
Detroit public schools bright spot for teacher retention amid statewide shortage, report says
Michigan schools have been facing an increasing shortage of teachers, making recruitment and retention more difficult for school districts. There were 24 unfilled and permanently vacant teaching positions in Michigan schools during the 2012-13 school year. In 2022-23, that number was 473, according to the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative.
