{
  "id": 2411335,
  "title": "Back to school in Michigan: New cellphone rules, a fitness test, and more",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/back-to-school-in-michigan-new-cellphone-rules-a-fitness-test-and-more",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T17:32:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Chalkbeat",
    "slug": "chalkbeat",
    "url": "https://www.chalkbeat.org/detroit/2026/08/21/back-to-school-in-michigan-5-things-parents-should-know/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michigan students returning to school this academic year will encounter several new rules and programs. One of the most significant changes involves restrictions on wireless devices such as cellphones, smartwatches, and smart glasses during instructional time. School districts have been given leeway to establish their own policies, with some districts requiring students to leave devices in lock boxes or secure lockers throughout the day, while others allow high school students to keep their devices with them but require them to be locked away during class using Yondr pouches. Under a new state law, all public school students will be required to take the Presidential Fitness Test as part of their physical education classes. The test, which includes various physical feats such as curl-ups, a one-mile run, and push-ups, will be mandatory starting this school year. High school juniors will also benefit from a change to the Michigan Merit Exam, as the essay portion will no longer be required. Instead, students will need to focus on their performance in the exam itself. Additionally, team teaching, where multiple teachers collaborate to instruct a group of students, is gaining popularity in Michigan schools. The Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative is supporting this trend by providing resources and training to help schools implement team teaching effectively.",
  "summary": "Michigan students may be planning to head back to school with their cell phones in tow, but parents should know that new rules will restrict how much they can use those devices. The 2026-27 school year begins Monday in the Detroit Public Schools Community District and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}