Consequences of dropping out of high school

December 2008

This comprehensive report examines the losses Michigan incurs because of students not completing high school in this state. The report, commissioned by the Mott Foundation, assesses the labor market, income, social, health, civic, incarceration and fiscal consequences.

To read the summary version, please click here.

To read the complete report, please click here.

Ferndale's University High deserves praise, not attacks

November 19, 2008

In this Detroit News editorial, the newspaper recognizes the innovative and successful approach of Ferndale's University High School, which graduated its first class last spring. To read the editorial, please click here.

Study urges immediate help for Detroit's asthma problem

October 2008

Asthma is 50 percent more prevalent among Detroit adults than that of the state of Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health's Bureau of Epidemiology's latest chapter in its comprehensive report on asthma in the state. The report, entitled "Detroit -- The Epicenter of Asthma Burden," urges public health efforts to focus on improving asthma control and preventing severe outcomes.

Click here to read the pdf report.

Council of the Great City Schools report

September 2008

Detroit Public Schools leaders sought help from the Council of the Great City Schools , the nation's primary coalition of large urban school districts, to gain an outside perspective on some of the most serious issues facing the district and recommendations on how to handle them.

The council presents Reforming and Improving the Detroit Public Schools , which offers findings and recommendations for improving student achievement, finances and selected operations to the district.

Click here to read the pdf report.

First Class Schools analysis

August 2008

Recently, the state legislature began addressing Detroit Public Schools' status as a First Class District if enrollment falls below 100,000. The ramifications of losing that status include issues such as:

• Allowing neighboring suburban districts to open schools within city boundaries;
• The roles and required responsibilities of the school board and school system will change;
• Increased opportunities for charter schools.

The Skillman Foundation commissioned Public Sector Consultants to prepare a nonpartisan analysis on what will happen if enrollment in Detroit Public Schools drops and the district loses its status.

Click here to read the pdf report.

Concerning Kids: A Skillman Study

2002-2005

Concerning Kids: A Skillman Foundation Study was the first-ever comprehensive series of polls on what residents of metropolitan Detroit think, feel and know about issues concerning children and youth. Below is a sample of some of what the Foundation learned from 2002 to 2005. Our polls showed people in general cared deeply about kids.

Concerning Kids Series: Affirms Public Priorities Identified in Community Meetings, Feb. 2005

Change Over Time: Follow-up -- Benchmark Survey Results, Feb. 2005

Concerning Kids: Healthcare Survey Results, April 2003

Parents and Kids: Summary Reports, Nov. 2003

Baseline Survey Results, April 2002

Education Survey Results, Sept. 2002

Violence and Youth Development: Issue Survey Results, Nov. 2002