The Art of Possibilities: Leading In A Culture of Change

Take a look at what MASA's 2008 Midwinter Conference has to offer in Detroit , January 23-25.

Highlights include:

	Local School Showcase - visits to area schools demonstrating exemplary programs (transportation provided, sign up early)
	Welcome from Dr. Connie K. Calloway, Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools
	David Hollister will open Wednesday presenting a vision of economics, politics, and education in the Michigan landscape and what it means to our schools as we move into the near future
	Going global with Dr. Yong Zhao, leading expert on global trends and how they're shaping the education landscape
	Chuck Gaidica, Detroit TV personality, philanthropist, lifelong learner, and education advocate, shares commentary
	Tom White, Executive Director of MSBO, will go through the numbers that help you understand and describe for others what is happening to school finance in Michigan
	And break-out sessions on hot topics such as... Finding the Value of Administrators During Tough Times Crisis Management The latest on ERIN Languages for All Students: Making It a Reality Getting to Yes: Interest Based Bargaining Using Classroom Observations to Develop Instructional Leadership Skills First Amendment & K-12 New IRS rules and regulations on tax shelter plans and much more...

* Dress code is Business Attire

In addition, consider attending the following Pre-conference options:

Contract Planning & Pre-retirement Strategies (Tuesday 1/22/07) -Agenda-
This informative 1-day pre-conference event will explore legal ramifications, potential pitfalls, and various options to consider in securing a solid contract that protects your interests, is fair to all parties, and reduces your stress when retirement draws near.

The first half of the day will be for the whole group. The afternoon will provide participants the option of two tracks, one for those with retirement in the near future and the other for those that are beginning to plan their retirement in the mid to longer range time frame. There will also be the option (as we did last year) for members to sign up for min-private contract review sessions with Tom Derderian of Cluck and Associates.

Building a Strong Professional Learning Community (PLC) (Wednesday 1/23/07; 9:30 a.m.– noon) -Agenda-
This hands-on, half-day pre-conference event will give newer superintendents a chance to re-connect and extend the networks forged during past New Superintendent events. The target audience is first- through third-year superintendents, but all interested in this topic are welcome to sign up and attend. This session, led by Dr. Nancy Colflesh, will provide a brief introduction of what a PLC is and how to support it from the district level. Participants will also explore specific strategies for participatory planning and decision making. This highly practical and interactive workshop will allow for plenty of member networking time. Registration and details for the our conference will be updated regularly online.

For details and registration, visit www.michiganedusource.org/gomasa/mw08.htm.