State budget update

This week the legislature met to approve the conference report for the 2006-07 School Aid Fund. The conference report remains consistent with what MASA has been reporting during the past several weeks. The major aspects of the agreement that was reached addressed increases to the foundation, middle school math, declining enrollment as well as an equity payment. Click here for a detailed analysis which breaks down how individual districts faired in the above mentioned line items.

MASA is discussing possible veto’s with the Governor’s office at this time. The Governor is expected to sign this legislation in the coming weeks.

For a Detailed analysis of the budget please click here.

“Major Highlights” of the 2006-07 School Aid Budget

Save $$ on the Board-Superintendent Webinar

Thinking of registering for the upcoming Webinar, “Building a High Impact Board -Superintendent Partnership”? If you live a convenient distance from our office here in Lansing, you might be eligible to attend at a discounted rate!

The August 29 workshop will be presented by Doug Eadie and co-sponsored by MASA and MASB. As sponsors, MASA and MASB will be provided a license for one internet and one telephone connection at our site. As for all registrants, this fixed connection fee allows multiple participants to watch and listen from the same web and voice connections.

Any Board-Superintendent team who wants to make the trip to our Lansing office can participate in that connection for only $25 per team. That saves your district $175! You and your team will be able to see Doug’s PowerPoint slides via your web-connected computer, hear the presentation over a telephone line, and have the opportunity to submit questions, either personally or through instant messaging.

If you would like to participate in the Webinar at the MASA office, contact Susan White at 517-327-9266 or swhite@gomasa.org. Registrants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as room allows. The presentation is scheduled for 10 a.m., so we recommend you gather your team here no later than 9:45 a.m.

Class of 2006 MEAP scores disappointing

Results of the scores for the high school graduating Class of 2006 on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) tests showed decreases in all but one of the five assessments.

“It’s not rocket science,” said Flanagan. “When our kids don’t take the subjects we test them on, they score poorly on the tests. But thanks to the Governor and bi-partisan support on the State Board of Education and the Legislature we are putting our high schools on a whole different track.”

Flanagan said the bar is being raised not only for the students, but for teachers as well. The Michigan Department of Education is developing content standards for the Michigan Merit Curriculum so teachers will have a clear understanding of what should be taught in the various subjects.

Flanagan also noted that the state is embarking on a re-design of what will be expected of teacher preparation programs at the college and university levels so teachers will know how to reach every student; integrate technology into their classrooms; build real-world relevance into their instruction; and maintain a disciplined classroom that will foster learning for all students, as called for by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in her 2006 State of the State address.

High school students are allowed to take the high school MEAP assessment multiple times throughout their high school years to qualify for Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment programs, and the Michigan Merit Award scholarship. The “Class of” results represent students’ best scores on the various subject tests throughout their high school careers.

Only 52.37% of the students in the graduating Class of 2006 were proficient in math, compared to 56.85% in the Class of 2005. In science, the percent dropped from 58.4% to 56.77%; in writing, from 57.25% to 55.19%; and in reading, from 77.88% to 70.08%. In social studies, 36.79% of the students in the Class of 2006 were proficient, compared to 33.83% in the Class of 2005.

The MDE pointed to one factor that might have influenced the dropping scores: Approximately 3,000 more students participating in each test.

“What we’re seeing is more students who wouldn’t have taken the MEAP test in the past, now taking it,” said Edward Roeber, Senior Executive Director of the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability at the Michigan Department of Education. “These are students who didn’t see themselves going to college and therefore did not need to take the MEAP in order to qualify for the Michigan Merit Award, or students who believed they just wouldn’t have done well on the tests.”

As evidence to this, thousands more students in alternative education programs in school districts across the state, who historically did not take the MEAP exams, now are taking them in order for the districts to make AYP. There were 30 more alternative education schools and nearly 1,100 more alternative education students represented in the Class of 2006 results than in the previous year.

If Back-to-School dollars were up for grabs….

Take our instant survey! It asks:

If you could allocate those resources, what three back-to-school items would you wish every parent or grandparent would buy for your district's students? What purchase stands the best chance of supporting a child's success in school?

Be creative! (My first choice, for example, would be a library card and a year's worth of gas or bus tokens to get there. Second choice might be coupons for one dinner a month at a favorite restaurant where a caring adult would ask about school and offer support. I'm still thinking about #3.)

We'll share your answers in an upcoming MASA Leader.

Have a question you’re dying to ask?
Send us your question and we’ll post an instant survey to our web site during the coming weeks. If it’s a yes/no or multiple choice question, we can arrange for participants to see the results instantly! Contact Linda Wacyk at lwacyk@gomasa.org or 517.327.9268.

SET SEG - high quality insurance programs with comprehensive and affordable coverage

School Employers Trust and School Employers Group (SET SEG) believes that Michigan public school districts should have access to high-quality insurance programs that also provide comprehensive and affordable coverage. For 35 years, we have offered an extensive selection of insurance programs that meet our high standards.

SET Employee Benefits
SET was founded by the Michigan Association of School Boards in 1971 to help Michigan public schools save money on health insurance. SET offers a variety of innovative and cost-effective health care benefit programs:

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) combined with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) Flexible Blue plans;
• Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA);
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA);
• SET/Employee Health Insurance Management Inc. (EHIM) Wrap Plans enable districts to select a lower-cost, high-deductible health plan and self-fund it to a higher level with a plan administered by EHIM;
• SET/EHIM Prescription Drug Carve-Out Plans place self-funded drug coverage through EHIM to realize savings;
• Self-Funded SET/ADN Dental Network Plans;
• Fully-funded SET Dental Plans;
• SET and SET/Spectera Vision Plans for insured or self-funded groups; and
• SET Life and Long-Term Disability Plans.

MASB-SEG Property/Casualty Pool
The MASB-SEG Property/Casualty Pool was established in 1986 to provide a cost-effective alternative to commercial insurance coverage. The Pool provides property, liability, fleet, equipment breakdown, errors and omissions, and excess coverage protection. More than $74 million in surplus and dividends has been distributed to eligible members since its inception. Pool members also enjoy benefits such as stable premiums and rates, free risk-management consultations, risk-reduction seminars, and access to safety videos from a lending library.

SEG Self-Insurer Workers’ Compensation Fund
The Fund was established in 1977 to provide coverage at a time when commercial insurers had abandoned the school market. More than $160 million in dividends, surplus, and accumulated assets has been returned to members since its founding. Fund members have access to real-time claim information, as well as free risk-management consultations and use of safety videos from a lending library.

If your district would like to invest more money in educational programs and spend less on insurance premiums, contact a SET SEG Account Executive to take advantage of great savings.

Call SET SEG today!
800.292.5421

Postcards from The Journey

“Once you’re moving forward, you can really do some amazing things…That’s the way momentum works.” John Maxwell

Dear Friends,

We’re gaining Momentum! At our Courageous Journey meeting in Auburn Hills last month, we worked on intentional application of the Balanced Leadership positive correlates to second order change—those leadership responsibilities most likely to improve our organizational and personal performance.

As we continue to develop our Action Plans for personal growth, we’re also beginning to think about a Systemic Change Initiative for our district—a critical issue around which we will build a systemic response and action plan.

Sound exciting? The best part is that we don’t face the challenges of achieving this kind of growth alone; working together as a community of learners with colleague superintendents provides an incredibly supportive environment. According to cohort member Paula Dawning, Benton Harbor Area Schools, “It is great to have a cohort on a similar journey who may be reading on the same topic and can direct you to something of relevance. …With the demands on a superintendent's time it is very beneficial to have others who are helping you extend your reach…”
Onward!

The Courageous Journey™ 2006 Cohort

Update your information for the 2006-07 MASA Directory

MASA is compiling information for the 2006-07 Member Directory and we are cleaning up our database. If you have not renewed your membership or updated your contact infromation with us, please do so at your earliest opportunity in order to ensure an accurate directory listing and to continue to recieve valuable information from us throughout the upcoming school year.

You should have received a Directory Information Sheet from our office along with a member renewal packet this summer. You can download a blank info sheet here. If you have any questions, please contact Sue White at the MASA office, 517.327.5910.

Retirees' MASEL Luncheon, 12 Sep

Reservation information will be mailed to all retired members on the MASA mailing list in August. For questions or more information, please contact Kristy Barbour at 517.327.9262.

• Meet other new Michigan superintendents
• Network with MASA staff and executive board
• Learn critical leadership skills in addressing technology, negotiations, communications, data reporting, school improvement, communication, and more
• Discover proven strategies for building strong board relationships and high-impact governance
• Find resources to help you address legal issues and engage in grassroots political advocacy
• Jump-start your connections to resources you need for success

Bring your spouse along too! We have activities planned to include them as well.

For details, forms, directions, and agenda info (all will be regularly updated as information is available), keep your eye on www.gomasa.org/FC06.htm.

Annual Rose Memorial Service

For more than three decades, MASA has honored those members who have passed with an annual memorial service. In an effort to continue the tradition, the Planning Committee has once again scheduled the service following the luncheon on Thursday, September 28, 2006 in Traverse City, Michigan at MASA Fall Conference. The presentation of roses to honor our deceased members will be included in the service, and the roses will be displayed at the general sessions through the rest of the conference.

Deceased MASA members who will be remembered at the memorial ceremony include:

Carl Brautigam – Maple Valley Schools
Don Currie – Executive Director, MASA
Elmer Hollenbeck – Buena Vista Schools
Richard Kelly – Charlevoix–Emmet ISD
Ed Kukuk – Iron Mountain Public Schools
John Mader – St. Clair County ISD
Raymond Madigan – South Lyon Community Schools
Shari Miller – Lowell Area Schools
Harvey Olsen – Kentwood Public Schools
Ozzie Parks – Mendon Public Schools
Therese Peterson – Bath Community Schools
George Ruwitch – East Grand Rapids Public Schools
James Ritchie – Dewitt Public Schools
Neal Singles – Morenci Area Schools
Thomas Smusz – Bridgman Public Schools
William Young – Bentley Community Schools

MDE releases High School Content Expectations timeline 

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of School Improvement staff has been working with Achieve, Inc. to prepare High School Content Expectations and Course/Credit Content Requirements and Guidelines documents. Here is the proposed release schedule so far:

• State Board approval on August 8: The HSCE for Science
• State Board presentation on August 8 of the Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines for:
  • Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, ELA 9 (5 model units), ELA 10 (4 model units), Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts (Guidelines), and Online Learning Experience (Guidelines)
  • The above will be available online on August 8
  • Social Studies (K – 8 GLCE & 9 – 12 Course/Credit Content Expectations) scheduled for completion June 2007
  • Language other than English scheduled for initial drafts January 2007

Questions? Call the Office of School Improvement at 517.241.3147.

Michigan part of the American Diploma Project Network

Did you know that Michigan is one of 22 member states in the ADP (American Diploma Project Network)? The ADP Network is a coalition dedicated to aligning K-12 curriculum, standards, assessments and accountability policies with the demands of college and work. According to Achieve, states are closing the achievement gap through the following four actions:

• Aligning high school standards and assessments with the knowledge and skills required for success after high school.
• Requiring all high school graduates to take challenging courses that actually prepare them for life after high school.
• Streamlining the assessment system so that the tests students take in high school also can serve as readiness tests for college and work.
• Holding high schools accountable for graduating students who are ready for college or careers, and holding postsecondary institutions accountable for students' success once enrolled.

You can read more about Michigan’s goals and progress at the Project’s website.

2007 National Conference on Education™

AASA’s 2007 National Conference on Education™, scheduled for March 1–4 in New Orleans, La., will deliver dynamic educational programming that will empower leaders to re-energize their school systems, confront controversial issues, discuss best practices and solutions, and elevate the image of the profession and the education system. Speakers will include Sandra Day O’Connor, Daniel Pink, and Larry Sabato. Be sure to visit www.aasa.org/conferences for up-to-date program information. Early bird registration begins July 31, 2006.

2007 National Civic Star Award

Marking its fifth consecutive year, The National Civic Star Award program, co-sponsored by Sodexho School Services, recognizes that the vitality of a community is intricately linked to the success of its schools in educating children to be productive citizens. The program encourages the development of strong relationships between schools and community partners including individuals, businesses, civic groups and religious organizations. co-sponsored by Sodexho School Services. Applications are now available. Deadline: Aug. 11, 2006.

2007 Educational Administration Scholarship Award

AASA’s Educational Administration Scholarships were created in 1949 to provide incentive, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding graduate students in school administration who intend to make the school superintendency a career. Six scholarships are available in the amount of $2,000 each for outstanding graduate students. Recipients are honored at the President's Awards Ceremony during AASA's annual National Conference on Education. Only one candidate may be submitted by each college or university campus and each candidate must be recommended by the dean of the school of education in which the candidate is enrolled. Application forms now available. Deadline: Aug. 31, 2006.

Behind the Headlines:
What Your Pediatrician Won't Tell You…and maybe the school shouldn’t

If your child's overweight, you may not hear it from your pediatrician, according to The Washington Post. Doctors are reluctant to tell parents their child needs to lose weight, partly because of quick 15-minute office visits and partly because parents don't take the news well. At all.

New research from Public Agenda shows American parents feel beleaguered, deeply committed to their children but constantly playing defense against all the bad influences they see around them. So maybe a stern lecture from the pediatrician (or school principal) isn't all that welcome. But it isn't that parents don't believe the issue is important and they aren't fooling themselves about their success.

In Public Agenda’s survey of parents, "A Lot Easier Said Than Done," they found 68 percent said it was "absolutely essential" to teach their children good eating habits, but only 40 percent believe they've succeeded. Interestingly, fewer parents think it's essential to teach their children about physical fitness (51 percent), but more think they've done a good job (53 percent).

One more thing to remember on this issue: parents prioritize. An overwhelming number (85 percent) say "parents have to pick your battles—you can't fight your child over everything." Here’s some good news for schools. The survey found that for parents, the critical challenge is raising a child who is independent, self-disciplined, honest and tries their best in school. In the give-and-take of parenting, other concerns sometimes have to give way.

Download "A Lot Easier Said Than Done: Parents Talk About Raising Children in Today's America": www.publicagenda.org/research/research_reports_details.cfm?list=15

Speaking of Leading

“For our standards, they (the scores) are not what we want them to be. We are above state average in all of the areas; we still reflect strength, but we need a faster pace of improvement.”
- Stephen Piereson, Superintendents of Ishpeming Public Schools, in the Mining Journal, 7.23.06

“It's almost like a roller coaster. And it's because you have a different group of students being tested each year” And on the theory that new standards will mean better test results? “I just don't see it that way. Raising graduation requirements and improving test scores, that's not going to happen together."
– Michael Shibler, superintendent of Rockford Public Schools where MEAP scores in most subjects remain above about 70 percent passage, in the WZZM TV 13 coverage 7.15.06.

Michigan Schools AED Drill Week focuses on response to heart emergencies

November 6 through 10, 2006

MASA is joining the Kimberly Anne Gillary Foundation, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross, EMT Association and various Michigan school associations to help promote Michigan Schools AED (Automatic External Defribrillator) Drill Week November 6 thru 10, 2006, thereby improving school safety, heightening AED Awareness, and helping to save lives.

We encourage School AED Coordinators to conduct AED Practice Drill(s) at your building(s) during this week. Unlike a fire drill, an AED drill can be conducted before, during, or after school hours. In addition, it does not have to disrupt the whole school and should take no more than several minutes to complete. It also gives administrators an opportunity to improve its program before an actual emergency arises. For information on how to conduct an AED practice drill go to www.aeddrill.com.

Participating Certified CPR/AED instructors, Fire and EMS responders, and Local Hospital Community Relations personnel may also contact you to offer their assistance.

In 2004, The AHA’s Publication – The Emergency Response Plan for Schools, emphasized routine AED practice drills and evaluations. The Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Trial also expressed the importance of routine practice drills. Considering the importance and effectiveness of fire drills, a situation most anyone can relate to; the need for routine practice of rescuing a sudden cardiac arrest patient, a rare and difficult condition to comprehend, is a logical conclusion.

This event will also provide a great opportunity for school and community relations. It will also serve as a benchmark for continued practice throughout the school year. Most importantly, an AED Drill improves the chances of saving the lives of students, teachers, administrators, and school visitors who may suffer sudden cardiac arrest.

Over the past several years approximately 25 Michigan school age children alone have died from sudden cardiac arrest. Studies have shown that early 911, early CPR, and early defibrillation and early advance life support can help save lives.

The Kimberly Anne Gillary Foundation was founded by Randy and Sue Gillary after the death of their 15 year old daughter, Kimberly, who suffered a cardiac arrest while participating in a water polo game on April 1, 2000. A 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, its mission is to place an automated external defibrillator (AED) in every Michigan high school and to advocate cardiac screening and testing of all high school student athletes. To date, the Foundation has donated over 320 AEDs. For more information on the Foundation visit their web site at www.kimberlygifts.org.

State NCLB Assessment Plans 

To avoid an “apples and oranges” situation when it comes to public school evaluation and improvement, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requires states to submit assessment plans to ensure consistency of data across states. The Department of Education recently reported that all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico have now been told whether their standards and assessment systems are acceptable — 14 states received approval or “approval expected,” while most of the rest must submit plans for changes or additions within 25 days of receiving the report.

In a June 20 letter to the Michigan Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Education reported that Michigan’s approval, along with that of 24 other states, is still pending, but with no financial penalty imposed (7 additional states with approval pending will have funds withheld). Michigan’s letter says in part:

“Michigan's system has one fundamental component that warrants the designation of Approval Pending. Specifically, we cannot approve two of Michigan's alternate assessments based on alternate achievement standards for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Michigan developed multiple assessments based on alternate achievement standards but, at present, only the MI-Access Functional Independence assessment meets the requirements for this type of assessment. The MI-Access Participation and the Supported Independence assessments are not linked to grade-level content standards and do not yield separate valid scores in reading and mathematics… Michigan must either change these alternate assessments to meet the statutory and regulatory requirements or cease using them to determine AYP. Because Michigan included the two non-approved alternate assessments in its AYP determinations for the 2005-06 school year, Michigan did not administer an approved assessment system in 2005-06 as required under NCLB, thereby resulting in its Approval Pending status.”

In order to gain “approved” status, the MDE has been required to submit a plan and detailed timeline for how it will meet the remaining requirements to come into full compliance by the end of the 2006-07 school year.

Source: Connect for Kids; Education Week, 7.12.06

ACISD name change highlights ‘service agency'

As of Sept. 1, the Allegan County Intermediate School District will officially become the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency, or AAESA. The change was made to reflect what the ISD does, because there's always been the question of what “intermediate school district” actually means.

“The main reason,'” said board President Phyllis Drozd, “is to better describe to the public what we really are all about. We are a service agency.'”

The ISD provides services to local school districts. The “intermediate'” term came about, she said, because it was a district between the local districts and the state department of education. A further reason for the change is that the “Allegan County” part of the ACISD is not correct. The districts served by the ACISD spill over into Van Buren, Barry, Kalamazoo and Kent counties. The ACISD encompasses the districts of Allegan, Plainwell, Otsego, Martin, Wayland, Hopkins, Fennville and Glenn.

Source: Rod Smith, Kalamazoo Gazette, 7.24.06

New data show larger school districts pay higher salaries to superintendents and principals

Female, black and hispanic school leaders earn over 20 percent more than white counterparts

Larger school districts pay superintendents, managers, and principals higher salaries than smaller systems, according to a recent survey of more than 600 districts conducted by Educational Research Service and featured in Education Week’s July 26 issue. The study found that district size has a more pronounced effect for superintendents than for any other staff category, with professionals in larger districts posting higher earnings on average. Additional findings include:

• Regional disparities can reach extreme levels, with teachers in the Mideast earning almost 50 percent more on average than those in the Southwest, the difference between about $57,000 and $38,000 respectively.
• Among superintendents, females out-earn males by more than $9,000, a margin of about 8 percent. District leaders from black and Hispanic racial and ethnic backgrounds earn average salaries between 21 percent and 25 percent higher than their white counterparts. Pay is highest for black and Hispanic females with average annual salaries topping $155,000.
• While superintendents and some district managerial professionals earn more in urban districts, suburban school systems boast the highest salaries for principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, librarians, and school nurses.

Educational Research Service, Alexandria, VA-based nonprofit organization, has conducted the salary survey for more than 30 years. For the 2005-06 school year, ERS collected nationally representative data on the salaries and wages of 22 professional and 10 support positions in precollegiate education. The ERS survey also provides insights into the relationship between the background of school district leaders and their earnings. For more information, visit www.edweek.org/salary.

Leadership Institute on Teacher Induction for District Administrators

August 9-11
Glen Arbor Homestead Conference Center
Registration Deadline: July 29!

Designed specifically for ISD/RESA staff for support to new teacher induction at the local district level. Sponsored by ASSIST (Advocating Strong Standards-based induction Support for Teachers), the institute is intended to provide tools and training for administrators who would like to enhance the quality of services in their school districts for new teacher induction and mentoring. Registration is $150 and includes hotel, meals and materials, including a CD containing ASSIST tools, resources and instructional modules. SB-CEU credits are available for full institute participants. Register by mail and send in with a check (payable to Michigan State University) or purchase order to Office of K-12 Outreach, MSU, 201 Erickson Hall, East Lansing 48824.

Freedom to Learn to sponsor Balanced Leadership Consortia

The Freedom to Learn program has partnered with McREL, the Michigan Department of Education, several Michigan ISDs, and MIEM to offer the Michigan Balanced Leadership Consortia in 2007. McREL (Mid-continent for Research and Learning), has developed this consortium through leading-edge research on school, leader and teacher impact on student achievement. McREL has almost 40 years of experience with providing high-quality professional development that offers leaders with proven, practical guidance on what they can do to improve student achievement in their schools.

McREL brings together school leadership teams from across a state, region, or district to provide them with ongoing professional development through a series of knowledge- and skills-building workshops. The Michigan Balanced Leadership Consortia will consist of four, two-day sessions with an opportunity after each session for interested participants to attend a third day to participate in a training of the trainer session. Look online for more information about the content of this consortia.

These workshops will be partially sponsored by Freedom to Learn, MDE and MIEM. The intended audience is superintendents and principals whether or not they are in the Freedom to Learn program. District leadership teams would also benefit from this learning.

The following dates and locations are confirmed:

Wayne RESA
January 30 - 31, 2007
Train-the-Trainer: February 1, 2007

Genesee ISD
February 13 - 14, 2007
Train-the-Trainer: February 15, 2007

Oakland Schools
March 7 - 8, 2007
Train-the-Trainer: March 9, 2007

Wexford-Missaukee ISD (Cadillac)
April 17 - 18, 2007
Train-the-Trainer: April 19, 2007

More information including registration instructions and fees will be available at the start of the 2006-07 school year. Contact FTL’s Kate Kennedy at 517.335.0449, or Sam LoPresto, 517.327.9263, for more information or if you have questions.

Other Professional Development Opportunities:

• Grantsmanship Training Program
  August 7-11, Lansing, MI
• How to Get the Most Out of a MIEM Webinar
  August 16, 2006, MELG Building
• Technology for the Business Manager
  September 27, 2006, Lansing
• Instructional Program Evaluation
  September 27, 2006, Lansing
• Building and Maintaining Relationships
  September 28, 2006, MELG Building
• Time Management
  September 28, 2006, MELG Building
• Michigan School Improvement Conference
  November 5-6, 2006, Lansing Center
• Michigan Summit on Model Schools
  January 9-10, 2007, Novi
  April 15-17, 2007, Traverse City

Michigan Association of School Administrators
1001 Centennial Way, Ste 300
Lansing, MI 48917
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