http://www.michiganedusource.org/gomasa/ldr/2006/ldr022406/ldr022406.htm
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24 February 2006 Vol. 1, No. 9
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| legislative update: | ||
| MASA news: | ||
| MDE news: | ||
| AASA news: | ||
| in case you missed it: | ||
| professional development: | ||
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| leader resources: | ||
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MDE
announces procedure for new school employee conviction list A new School Employee Conviction List will be produced by Michigan State Police (MSP). MSP will use data forwarded by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) from the December 2005 school employee information provided by local school districts to the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI). "The Michigan State Police will use its expertise to individually verify the information to eliminate false positives and remove the burden of proof from individual school employees," said Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant, Michigan State Police director. MSP will verify the new criminal conviction list based on the information forwarded by the MDE. Any possible matches that cannot be verified using this information will be provided to MSP work sites for further investigation. All convictions will be verified before the new list is forwarded to the MDE. MSP will return the newly verified list back to the MDE on or before March 31. The MDE will then forward it to school districts. State law requires school districts to dismiss any employee who has a criminal conviction for any of the sexual crimes, or crimes against children, specifically listed in the law. "Our primary focus is to keep our schools safe and remove any school employee who may pose a danger to school children and school staff. This process will provide a more efficient and streamlined way to inform school districts of who they need to look at to ensure a safe school environment," said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. "I commend the professionals at the Department of State Police for wanting to take these enhanced measures to provide schools with the most accurate list possible. They are going beyond the call and the Michigan school community is grateful." MDE already has directed school districts to return the list previously released to school districts as ordered last week by a federal district court ruling. MDE has notified school districts that their employees are no longer required to visit an MSP post for the purpose of a personal record challenge. Any personal record challenge submitted to the MSP through February 17 will be processed and returned to the requesting individual. School calendars conform to new laws Beginning in the 2006-2007 school year, public schools are prohibited from holding classes before Labor Day [MCL 380.1284b]. The requirement to start school after Labor Day does not apply in a district where a collective bargaining agreement providing a complete school calendar was in effect as of September 29, 2005, if that school calendar did not comply with the law. The prohibition, however, against holding classes before Labor Day would apply in that district after the terms of the collective bargaining agreement expire. MDE prepares standards for year-round schools The requirement to start school after Labor Day does not apply to districts that are already operating a year-round school or program or an international baccalaureate academy that provides 1,160 hours of pupil instruction. If a district has begoun operating a year-round school or program after September 29, 2005, the district may apply to the state Superintendent of Public Instruction for a waiver from the requirement to start after Labor Day. The state superintendent would grant the waiver if it is determined that the school or program is a bona fide year-round school or program established for educational purposes. Following thorough research on the types of year-round schools, the MDE has developed Standards for Determining a Bona Fide Year-Round School or program for use when reviewing waiver requests. Please refer to these standards if you are thinking of applying for a waiver. Spread the word about the Protect MI Child Registry On July 1, 2005, public registration began for the Michigan Children’s Protection Registry, enacted through Public Act 241 of 2004. This Act prohibits persons from sending messages about products or services that are legally prohibited for children. Examples include, but are not limited to, pornography, tobacco, gambling, and illegal drugs. The Protect MI Child Registry is a secure database of protected electronic email addresses, fax numbers, instant messages, and mobile text message addresses. It allows Michigan citizens and schools to protect children from inappropriate solicitation by registering these various contact points. School Districts within the State of Michigan may register a domain address with the Protect MI Child Registry. The registration process is free. If you would like to register a domain address for your school district, go to www.michigan.gov/protectmichild. Click on “Registration for Schools and Institutions.” When you are asked to enter an 8-digit code, please enter the following: KNYT-1JT4. The Department of Labor and Economic Growth has designated the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to be the administrator of the Registry. The Michigan Attorney General’s office is responsible for enforcement against violators. You must be registered for at least 30 days before you may file a complaint. The MPSC encourages districts to post a link, post a notice on your website, or mention the Protect MI Child Registry information in an announcement in school newsletters. They’ve made a Consumer Alert available for your use. Contact Linda Rigas or Ryan McAnany at 517.241.6200 if you have any questions K-16 Coalition delivers petitions
“The K-16 Coalition for Michigan’s Future wants to work together with the legislature to develop a reasonable legislative solution to fully fund Michigan’s K-16 public schools,” said Tom White, Chair of the K-16 Coalition for Michigan’s Future. “But we are fully prepared to put our proposal for adequate K-16 public school funding on the November 2006 ballot if for any reason the legislature fails to resolve the issue.” If passed by the Legislature or approved by the voters, the legislative initiative will:
MASA members should have received a K-16 update in an email from William Mayes last Friday. You can find updated talking points and sample letters to the editor at www.michiganedusource.org/gomasa/k-16.htm. Speaking
of Leading “Nobody's
saying that these other areas are not important, but what is the
thing that's going to have the most long-lasting impact in our
society? That's the education of our kids.” "My
job is to be an advocate for the children of Rockford and next
for the children of Kent County and the state of Michigan. That's
my responsibility," |
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| legislative update: | ||
Legislative Relations Network Conference March 15, 2006,
7:45am - 2:00pm Detail information and registration form Once again, MASA and MASB will jointly host the Legislative Relations Network Conference. Attendees and legislators believe a joint conference serves a better purpose, and the combined influence of our organizations has an even stronger impact on legislators. The importance of speaking with one voice to legislators and communities is more important in this time of education reform and fiscal uncertainty than at any time in recent history. This year's LRN conference coincides with the beginning of the budget process and during the deliberations on high school curriculum changes, giving you the perfect opportunity to speak with your legislators before it is too late. Legislators hear many viewpoints related to education policy and budget. Talk to your legislators about the state revenue problems and employee benefit issues. We must unite and push them to find a solution. Let them know that you have made cost containment decisions at the local level, but they are not enough by themselves. This year's conference is of great importance as schools face budget problems and great uncertainty. MASA and MASB encourage all members to attend this meeting. You can have a great impact on the legislative process. For questions, contact Brad Biladeau at bbiladeau@gomasa.org. |
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| MASA
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| Winners' Circle of innovative practices Michael
J. LaFeve MASA will highlight one winner in each Leader issue. Winners' Circle nominations will be accepted and featured year-round. To nominate a member's program or idea, visit our website at www.michiganedusource.org/gomasa/FormWinCirc.htm. |
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| MDE news: | ||
MDE assessment memo provides update MDE sent a memo to all superintendents in mid-February announcing the “window” of dates for schools once again to respond to the School Self Assessment. These eleven school performance indicators represent thirty-three percent (33%) of the composite grade on the Education YES! accreditation report card. In addition, the memo included a calendar of dates related to the 2006 Michigan School Report Card. That window is February 21 through March 31, 2006. The School Self Assessment (SSA) has not been changed and this year’s web format and the content are the same as previous years. Beginning next year, the new School Improvement Framework will shape the Indicators of School Performance. Superintendents will once again need to sign off on the submission of SSA data from their schools. Schools finishing the data entry and pushing the “Submit” button will be sending the data to the superintendent. When the superintendent pushes the “Submit” button the data will be forwarded to the Department of Education. If you’ve not seen this memo, click here to download now. MDE schedules hearings around certification In a recent memo, Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan announced a series of March public hearings and period of public comment, hosted by the Office of Professional Preparation on the following proposed administrative rules:
The
memo includes a calendar of the dates scheduled and directions to
the proposed administrative rules for the public hearings. The proposed
rules are accessible at the Department of Education, at each intermediate
school district, and on the Internet at: www.michigan.gov/teachercert.
Click on "Current Updates."
Next week is Principal's Week, a time for schools and districts to recognize the great leaders for all of the efforts they put into making sure Michigan’s students learn. If you have any questions about Principal’s Week, please contact Jean Shane at shanej@michigan.gov. Governor’s Residence Grant for art education Last year, Governor Granholm opened the Governor’s Residence to an exhibit of art created by Michigan students from 35 schools. The exhibit, titled “ABCs of Michigan: Many Ways of Learning” was displayed in the Governor’s Residence during the holiday time. Visitors to this exhibit were given the opportunity to donate cash or art supplies. The donations were pledged to go to needy school art programs in Michigan. Need was defined in two ways: first a financial need, second, not meeting AYP. The Michigan Art Education Association (MAEM) was asked to be responsible for the proper distribution of the money and art supplies that were donated. Those schools that feel they meet the above criteria are welcome to submit a grant application. The deadline for applications is March 30, 2006, and those selected will be notified by April 30, 2006. This is a great opportunity for art classrooms in need. Please pass along the information to schools you think would be interested. Any questions, please contact Ana Cardona, Arts Consultant, at cardona@michigan.gov. |
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| AASA
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Deadline nears for comments on proposed regulations on assessments for students with disabilities The American Association of School Administrators is urging school districts to respond to the U.S. Department of Education’s Proposed Regulations on Assessment for Students With Disabilities. Under this December proposal, school districts would be allowed to count as “proficient” up to 2 percent of their students with disabilities assessed against modified achievement standards. These modified standards are meant to be a reflection of grade-level standards, but in a smaller scope, to accommodate students who are unable to attain grade level within a standard school year. AASA members can read more in the December and January Leader’s Edge publication on the AASA website at www.aasa.org. Time is running out! Responses are due to the U.S. Department of Education on February 28. AASA in conjunction with the Children’s Defense Fund, is conducting a survey to determine how many school districts were impacted by the hurricane last fall and the extent of the impact. They’ve sent an e-mail survey to all those superintendents for whom they have e-mail addresses, but may have missed some others. If your school district was affected by the disaster itself or received students following the disaster, please email Ericka Turner at eturner@aasa.org and she will send you the survey. |
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| in
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Students plug in, enroll in 'iTunes U'
Schools post lectures online for use on students' MP3 players
- "We're excited, as iTunes U allows learning to happen truly anywhere, any time, and in an environment that students are already comfortable with: iTunes and iPod," said Apple spokesman Todd Wilder. iTunes U is a free, hosted service for colleges and universities that provides easy access to educational content, including lectures and interviews, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Apple says. Through iTunes U, users reportedly can download content to their Macs or PCs regardless of their location. They can then listen to and view content on their computer or transfer that content to an iPod for listening or viewing on the go. Source: Laura Ascione, Assistant Editor, eSchool News. Read more... 65% rule could cost Atlanta schools The so-called 65 percent solution would penalize the Atlanta school district for bringing in millions in grant money from sources such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Panasonic Foundation, a school official told the board. The bill — the most significant education legislation proposed this year — would require school systems to spend 65 percent of their money on classroom instruction. …The bill appears headed for passage, she told the board. The money Atlanta schools gets from grants would instead count against the district under the 65 percent formula. Using the bill's definition of "classroom instruction," the Atlanta district puts about 56 percent of its money into the classroom. That's unfair, Janice Monk Reardon, the district's director of policy development and governmental relations, said. Grant money is almost always for a specific program aimed at helping kids succeed in school. The district also might have to eliminate professional development, training provided to teachers for such things as how to implement the state curriculum, Chief Financial Officer Margaret Coleman said. Board members were dismayed at the prospect of being penalized for seeking additional resources from foundations. "I can't believe that if people really knew what it meant ..." said board member Cecily Harsch-Kinnane Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution Study: New teacher program more effective than pay hikes in boosting retention California's Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment program increased teachers' likelihood to stay in the profession by 26%, according to a study by the Public Policy Institute of California. Pay raises also made teachers more likely to stick around, although they weren't as effective as the support plan. The research group says nearly 25% of new teachers leave the field within their first five years. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which co-sponsors the beginning teacher program, has found similar results, said its director, Mike McKibbon. "It makes an enormous difference in setting up the first two years as place to learn and grow and get better, rather than the way we used to do it, which was kind of a rite of passage," McKibbon said. Source: Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.)/Associated Press |
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| professional development: | ||
| NIMAS in IDEA, What You Need To Know Now
The National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
webcast
The National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS)
is an important new piece of the reauthorized IDEA. It will guide
the ways in which textbooks and core instructional materials are
delivered so they may be converted easily into accessible formats.
Although the final federal regulations have yet to be released,
directors of special education will need to know enough about
NIMAS to understand how to fill out the federal forms for the
coming year. Each state will be asked to provide assurances about
NIMAS (e.g., checking the box) and to opt in or out of the national
repository, the National Instructional Materials Access Center
(NIMAC). English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) training
A Live Teleconference/Videoconference for: This
session will assist school staff in all aspects of giving this
new assessment to students, including the preparation of materials,
strategies for guiding students to follow taped instruction, and
accurate scoring of the individually administered speaking section.
DVDs and video stream versions of the training will be available
to educators who are either unable to attend or are not located
near a satellite site. On-site regional training may be available
upon request to MDE. For more information on the new ELPA program, read the MDE report presented at the February 2006 meeting of the State Board of Education, available online at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Item_C_149475_7.pdf. Michigan Education Association' Unity Conference
March 3-4, 2006 With the requirements of ESEA/NCLB, Education YES! and having to meet AYP, districts are searching for ways to identify, analyze and strategize on solutions that will close achievement gaps. This working conference will inform and help participants put new practices into place to make much needed progress in raising overall achievement and closing gaps between different groups of students. All education stakeholders are welcome in order to create dialogue and work together on a common cause. Teams of three or more will cost $75 per person and an individual can attend for $85. The cost of the conference include meals, conference registration, and materials and resources. Learn more at www.mea.org/Design.cfm?p=5873 or contact Mary A. Henson at 800.292.1934 x6215 or MHenson@mea.org. MASA, MASB, and MSBO team up to help districts with negotiations Bargaining
Basics: Smart Bargaining in Tough Times Labor negotiations are important to your district. They have a major impact on your district’s budget, as well as the educational environment. Given the importance of the process and its outcomes, shouldn’t you take time to prepare before you begin? MASA, MASB, and MSBO believe it is vital for your district’s management team to be “on the same page” before, during, and after negotiations. That’s why we have joined together to offer this one-day workshop for management bargaining teams. This workshop is your opportunity to:
We encourage you to send representatives from your bargaining team, including members of your board and administrators, to this meeting. Participants will have an opportunity to learn and plan together for negotiations in your district. To get the best possible result, it is crucial that the management team works together and stay on the same page! This workshop will help you accomplish both of those goals. Cost:
$120 for members/non-members Making the Most of Your Technology March
14, 2006 – Lansing Community College West This one-day workshop, designed for teachers and principals, will focus on new strategies for using technology to make a difference for learning in the classroom. Through hands-on work with computers and the Internet, you’ll experience a range of strategies for supporting student learning in a range of disciplines. In particular, you’ll work with both Internet-based and desktop tools aimed at support of information delivery (like PowerPoint and the web), inquiry (like WebQuests and custom web-based tools), ideas (like Inspiration and simulations), and communication (like blogs and moodle). The goal is that you’ll be able to put one or more of these strategies directly to work to enhance student learning when you return to your school. Participants are expected to have at least basic ability to use a computer and browse the Internet. Visit www.gomiem.org to register. Business Communications (Written and Verbal) March
16, 2006 – MELG Building Learn practical techniques for effective job-related communications, including grammar and business writing techniques you will apply to your own communication samples. These include email, memo, and letter applications, email etiquette, how to get your point across clearly and concisely, and editing and proofreading tips. Also learn verbal communication such as the front-line interface with customers, how to deal with the unhappy customers, developing desk references that guide you through particular situations, and the importance of body language in face-to-face communication. (SAPC Required Curriculum). Visit www.gomiem.org to register. March
16 – MELG Building This session will provide a foundation for quality customer service. Participants will learn how to understand the customers’ expectations, how to deal with many different customers from challenging parents to complaining students, how to improve communication with customers with effective questioning, listening and responding skills, how to resolve customer problems and complaints, how to present yourself and your organization in a professional manner, the importance of customer service in a schools-of-choice environment, and the effective use of voicemail. **Required for MSBO Food Service Directors Certification and SAPC Certification. Visit www.gomiem.org to register. Michigan
School Improvement Pre-Conference Workshop
For ISD’s, Education Organizations and Alliance for Building
Capacity in Schools (ABCS) Coaches MDE and MIEM will present this workshop which is specially designed for ISD school improvement staff, education organizations and ABCS Coaches. Participants will preview several drafts of new School Improvement Framework tools and discuss professional development options in preparation for the April 27th statewide rollout of the Framework. Flyers available or register online at www.gomiem.org. Questions: Email Danielle@gomiem.org. Managing
E-Waste in Michigan:
Genoa Woods Banquet and Conference Center, Brighton Presented by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, this E-Waste Workshop will provide information for community collection programs as well as business generators to help manage electronic waste properly. Information about compliance with regulations will also be provided for those operating and interested in starting electronic waste recycling businesses. Electronic waste is a growing part of the global waste stream. As more and more computers, televisions, cell phones, and more become obsolete, the need to manage them safely increases. Register to attend the full day for $75 or either the morning or afternoon session for $50 each. Watch for updated information on the web at www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops, click on “Upcoming DEQ Workshops,” and scroll down to “Managing E-Waste in Michigan.” Registration Information Contact: Environmental Assistance Center, 800.662.9278, or email at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov. Information Contact: Lucy Doroshko, Environmental Science and Services Division, 517.373.1322, or email at doroshkl@michigan.gov. Free Balanced Leadership Workshop The Freedom to Learn program is offering more free 2-day Balanced Leadership workshops open to all Michigan administrators. This is the workshop referenced by Brian McNulty of McCREL in one of the keynotes at the midwinter MASA conference. The Balanced Leadership workshop is based on six major research findings from McREL’s meta- and factor-analyses on principal leadership, which you can read online here. It also includes an introduction to the concept of shared leadership, balanced leadership, and the Balanced Leadership Framework™. Workshops are scheduled for Crystal Mountain, April 19-20, 2006 and Wayne RESA, April 26-27, 2006. You can register by contacting Kate Kennedy at 517.335.0449 or KateKennedy@ferris.edu. Learn more about this workshop and access the workshop flyer. Principals’
Academy:
Friday, April 21 ASSIST (Advocating Strong Standards-based Induction Support for Teachers) project, is a unique resource designed by faculty at Michigan State University that provides meaningful professional development for new teachers during their induction years, and tools and resources for both new and experienced teachers to use as they work together in mentoring-learning relationships and for administrators responsible for implementing induction programs. ASSIST is a free web-based resource available to all educators in Michigan. A one-day academy to introduce principals and other administrators to the ASSIST web-based tools and resources and provide basics for planning for comprehensive induction is scheduled for Friday, April 21, 2006, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development, MSU. Visit the ASSIST website at http://assist.educ.msu.edu to see the agenda, explore the tools on the ASSIST website, and to register. You may also register by phone at 517.353.8950. 2006 Michigan School Improvement Conference April
27, 2006 – Lansing Center This one day conference will provide you with practical, hands-on information and tools to understand and use the Framework to support and enhance your school improvement efforts. The conference will offer important information on: The connection between the Framework, district and building level school improvement efforts and various school improvement models; Understanding and using the Framework to address all state and federal school improvement requirements; Understanding and using the new School Improvement Rubrics to identify goals and select strategies for inclusion in your school improvement plan; The alignment of Education Yes! with the School Improvement Framework; Tools and resources to support your school improvement efforts; Question and Answer Panel Discussion. Visit www.gomiem.org to register. LEADing the Future handheld technology training Administrator training in handheld computer technology is still available at discount rates through LEADing the Future and MASA. An updated schedule of workshops has been published online. Get on board with foundation courses to familiarize yourself with the tools, information, and possibilities (handheld computer, software, and additional equipment are included in the registration fee for foundation courses). Extension courses focus on specialized and additional strategies for making the best use of this technology in your district (extension courses are free to those who have successfully completed foundation training). To learn more or to register, visit the LEADing the Future website at www.leadmichigan.org or contact the MASA office at 517.327.5910. |
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| leader
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Reality Check 2006: Are Parents and Students Ready for More Math and Science? Nationwide, a new poll shows, many parents are content with the science and math education their children get -- a starkly different view than that held by national leaders. Fifty-seven percent of parents say "things are fine" with the amount of math and science being taught in their child's public school. High school parents seem particularly content; 70 percent say their child gets the right amount of science and math. The first of a series of Reality Check reports by Public Agenda finds that while parents generally support proposals to make high schools globally competitive, parents start from a different mindset than leaders. In fact, parents' concern about math and science achievement has actually declined since the mid-1990s. Most parents also say the material their children are learning is more challenging than the lessons they had to learn in school. American students aren't too worried either. Only one quarter say lack of emphasis on science and math is a problem in their own school. The survey also found striking differences between white and minority students, with minorities much more likely to say they're not getting enough math and science in their school and to consider it essential for future success. Download a free copy of the report and comment on it at www.publicagenda.org/specials/realitycheck06/realitycheck06_main.htm. GEM consortium offers lessons and resources The Gateway to Educational Materials (GEM) is a consortium effort to provide educators with quick and easy access to thousands of educational resources found on various federal, state, university, non-profit, and commercial Internet sites. This web site offers more than 40,000 lessons and instructional resources from more than 400 organizations. GEM is made possible by the federally supported GEM Consortium, a group of non-federal organizations and federal agencies that have developed an education-specific metadata profile, controlled vocabularies, and tools for using the profile and vocabularies. Superintendents Briefing Book available at discount MASA still has a limited number of AASA's 2005-06 Superintendents Briefing Book. this useful tool provides superintendents and their staff with comprehensive, yet concise overviews of the best thinking available on a wide range of top-priority K-12 education concerns. More importantly, all superintendents will benefit from its content and will use it to make research-based, data-driven decisions with confidence, and identify programs and practices that will improve student achievement. Normally selling for $96, MASA members can purchase the 2005-06 Superintendents Briefing Book for $75. Please contact Sue White at 517.327.9268 if you are interested in purchasing a copy.
Yeo
& Yeo, P.C., CPAs Van
Buren Research and Development Foundation URS
Corporation |
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Michigan
Association of School Administrators 1001 Centennial Way, Suite 300 Lansing, MI 48917-9279 517-327-5910 |
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K-16
Coalition for Michigan’s Future delivered nearly 300,000
petition signatures to the State Bureau of Elections Office on
Tuesday, February 21. MASA members Michael Shibler
of Rockford Public Schools and Ron Koehler of
Kent ISD joined MASA executive director William Mayes
at the Treasury Building in downtown Lansing, where they lent
a hand as representatives of the K-16 Coalition unloaded and turned
in signed petitions asking legislators to develop a reasonable
legislative solution to fully fund Michigan’s K-16 public
schools. 