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Council Highlights 3-17-06

The MASA Executive Board and Council met March 14, 2006 at the MSU University Club in East Lansing, Michigan. Here are some highlights.

1. Guest speakers Vincent York of Jazzistry and Tasha LeBow of University of Michigan spoke about our Service Partner, Jazzistry, a nonprofit organization that combines “jazz” + “history” + “artistry.” York, a former bandleader, veteran member of the Ellington Orchestra, and saxophone virtuoso, treated us to a sample of what students see when Jazzistry comes to a school. Programs for all ages provide multimedia, interactive, live performance by professional jazz musicians, anecdotal storytelling and a travel through history. LeBow, an education consultant, attested to the power and integration possible through Jazzistry, which works in many settings and for any age group. Though there is some cost associated with the program, the group can help identify funding sources. Contact them at 734.761.6024 or www.jazzistry.org.
2. The Executive Director’s report included updates on MASA government relations efforts toward current legislation. Thanks to intensive lobby efforts, the revised legislation addressing release of the criminal history lists is looking much better at this time. New bills would call for more careful screening and ensure that only felony convictions and misdemeanors involving sexual conduct and abuse will be subject to reporting and FOIA. Schools will also receive two weeks grace period to confirm the listed individuals before releasing the list to the media. Also, MASA has been aggressively pursuing the goals agreed upon in the MASA/MAISA position statement regarding changes to the high school graduation requirements, with some success. We are still hopeful that the bill that emerges will incorporate many of our recommendations.
3. The Conference Committee reported that preparation for the Fall conference are well underway, with 2 of 3 keynote speakers scheduled and confirmed. The theme for 2006 will be “Leading for Learning, Designing for the Future.”
4. As a response to needs expressed in the 2006 Member Survey, the MASA Professional Leadership Committee is considering developing a model superintendent evaluation tool to supplement the MASA model contract. If you have suggestions or know of a model that has worked successfully for you, let your region Professional Leadership committee member know. Don’t know who that is? Contact committee chair Scott Dunsmore.
5. Council Members will continue to engage their regions in the following Continuing Conversation during March: What do you believe schools are doing differently in order to better prepare students for the 21st Century? If you have ideas to share, contact your region president.