In recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on education, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has established the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan.
The council will provide guidance and recommendations to ensure Michigan students have the tools and resources they need to get back on track following the disruption of the school year due to the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Michigan hard, and our students, families, teachers, and school staff have all felt the strain,” Whitmer said. “It is important to remember that schools also provide other services that students need to succeed including reliable access to the internet, nutritious meals, and mental health supports. COVID-19 has exacerbated inequities in our education system, and we know more work is needed to address the significant impact this pandemic has had on our children. This Council will be integral to ensuring our students and educators are equipped with everything they need to thrive.”
The council will be housed under the Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget and will have 29 members from diverse backgrounds who are appointed by the governor. The council will be focused on a wide array of issues, including the digital divide among students, the need for modernized classroom technology, how to return to in-person learning safely, how to mitigate learning loss, and the pandemic’s impact on student mental health.
The board has members representing school leaders, classroom teachers, students, public health experts, community members, mental health experts, parents, and pediatricians. The council will serve until December 31, 2021.
