The Oakland International Academy High School located in Detroit was named the Michigan Title I Distinguished School for the 2008-2009 school year by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan.

The high school was recognized for its exceptional student achievement growth over the past three years in both English language arts and mathematics. From 2005-06 to 2007-08 student achievement grew 85 percent in mathematics and 69 percent in English language arts.

Four additional schools: Detroit’s Carstens Elementary School; Saginaw Preparatory Academy; Homer Middle School; and Granville Elementary School were each recognized as one of the top five Title I Distinguished Schools in the state. Schools were selected by the Michigan Department of Education on the basis of student achievement gains in both mathematic and English language arts.

“These schools and their students have shown that strong leadership, hard work, and commitment to excellence result in greater student achievement,” Flanagan said. “I applaud their dedication, effort and progress.”

The Michigan Department of Education will present certificates of accomplishment to the five schools during the Michigan School Improvement Conference today in Novi.
Oakland International Academy was one of 57 national Title I school winners (representing 36 states) recognized at the National Association of State Title I Directors annual conference in February.

2008-2009 Title I Distinguished Schools	Growth ELA 05-07	Growth Math 05-07
Oakland International Academy High School, Detroit	69%	85%
Carstens Elementary School, Detroit	59%	80%
Saginaw Preparatory Academy, Saginaw	68%	71%
Homer Middle School, Homer	57%	69%
Grandville West Elementary School, Grandville	55%	65%

Time to review Social Studies Endorsement Standards
Recently the Michigan State Board of Education reviewed the proposed revisions for the Social Studies Endorsement Standards for teacher preparation in the State of Michigan. This document includes revisions to the following endorsement areas: Social Studies (RX), History (CC), Geography (CB), Economics (CA), and Political Science (CD).

The Michigan Department of Education is now asking for content experts and members of the education community to provide feedback and comments regarding the revised standards.  The proposed revisions for the Social Studies Endorsement Standards document, a PowerPoint and video presentation explaining the process of development and content within the standards document, and links to the field review surveys can be found at: www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_5683_6368-212000--,00.html

If you have specific questions, contact Thomas Bell, Higher Education Consultant with the Michigan Department of Education in the Office of Professional Preparation Services, via email at bellt1@mi.gov or phone at 517.241.0172.