In the spring of 2008, the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) took up the challenge of engaging its Executive Board and Council members in discussions and investigations regarding the future prospects for Michigan’s public education system. This work led participants to explore ideas for building upon the strengths of Michigan’s public education system in ways that will better serve the children of Michigan from birth to entering post-secondary education and/or employment as young adults.

The “Lead Forward” report released in September 2009 captures the collective ideas and thinking of the MASA leaders and members for shaping a compelling vision for how Michigan’s public education system (birth through grade 12) must evolve and adapt as a model for educating children in the 21st century.

We encourage you to read the 12-page report and use it to stimulate conversations in your regions.

Summary excerpt:

“We hope that the ideas and propositions presented in this report will serve to generate further dialogue and systematic exploration within MASA; between our organization and other stakeholder groups, policy makers, legislators, and scholars; and, finally, in the public arena. As we stimulate dialogue and participate in future conversations, we will remain open to incorporating good ideas and principled propositions that have the potential to achieve the desired future for Michigan’s children. ...

“We offer this report with a profound sense of urgency. We believe that we have a short window of opportunity to tackle the bigger issues that limit educational opportunity in Michigan. We also believe that Michigan has the collective knowledge, experience, talent, and creativity to achieve a globally recognized public education system for children beginning at birth and continuing into young adulthood.”

Read the Lead Forward report...

View the 2009 Fall Conference Lead Forward Workshop PowerPoint...