Introducing CODE & CONQUER: A Statewide Middle School Game Design Challenge
The Michigan High School Esports League (MHSEL) is excited to introduce CODE & CONQUER, a new statewide video game design challenge for Michigan middle school students in grades 6-8. This competition provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills through game development. Engaging Students Through Game Design CODE & CONQUER is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of coding in a way that is engaging and…
Navigating New Requirements: A Principal’s Guide to Native American Regalia Policies
By Joe Esper, Principal, Traverse City West Senior High School House Bill 4854, sponsored by state Representative Helena Scott, establishes new protections for Native American students participating in school ceremonies of honor. Beginning April 2, 2025, all Michigan schools must allow Native American students to wear traditional regalia and carry culturally significant objects at events such as graduation and honor society inductions. This law affirms the rights of Native American students to…
Unlock Grant Opportunities for Your School with MCAN – Apply by February 25!
The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has announced three exciting grant opportunities to help schools, districts, and community partners increase postsecondary access and enrollment for Michigan students. These grants provide valuable funding to launch or expand programs that prepare students for life after high school, supporting the state's goal of achieving 60% of adults with a postsecondary credential by 2030 (Sixty by 30). Don’t Miss Out! The application deadline for all three…
Reclaiming 13 Weeks: Practical Time Management for Secondary School Leaders
If you’re like most school leaders, your days start with good intentions but ends in exhaustion. You’re constantly juggling meetings, emails, classroom walkthroughs, teacher concerns, and unexpected crises. By the time you sit down to focus on a high-impact task—analyzing student data, designing a professional learning plan, or planning a strategic initiative—you’re interrupted by another urgent request. You’re not alone in facing these challenges. Research by The Economist Intelligence Unit has found…
Navigating Teacher Evaluations: A Principal’s Guide to Compliance and Excellence
In the state of Michigan, teacher evaluation has not only become a mandated process but also is a cornerstone for maintaining high educational standards throughout the state. Governed by Revised School Code (“RSC”) Section 1249 (MCL 380.1249) and the District’s collective bargaining agreement, the evaluation process requires the involvement of both teachers and administrators to ensure that the system is rigorous, transparent, and fair. Collective Bargaining Agreement Prior to February 2024, the…
New Law Requires High Schools to Offer Computer Science by 2027
House Bill 5649, sponsored by state Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker), introduces new requirements aimed at expanding computer science education in Michigan high schools. This new law requires all public high schools to offer at least one computer science course beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. By fostering technological literacy, the legislation aims to equip students with critical skills needed for success in a rapidly evolving workforce. What Does the Law Require? Course…
Leading Through Chaos: Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer
To Secondary School Principals and Assistant Principals, We are living in an era of uncertainty, volatility, and unprecedented challenges in education. The chaos of shifting policies, the complexity of managing diverse student needs, and the collapse of traditional structures place extraordinary demands on school leaders. In the face of this, how will you respond? Will you be a thermometer, reacting to the rising tensions, unpredictable policies, and external pressures that seem to…
Call to Action – New Standards for the Preparation of Special Education Teachers
The State Board of Education has received proposed new standards for the preparation of special education teachers in Michigan. These standards are out for public comment until Feb. 27. MASSP has participated on the OPTIMISE Task Force and has been briefed regarding concerns with the change in credentialing for special education teachers. The standards were presented to the State Board of Education on January 14, as a prerequisite to a change in…
Connecting Michigan Students to Postsecondary Pathways
Written by: Emily Hurtado-Arboleda, from our Partner in Education, MI Student Aid The MI Student Aid team is focused on connecting with students and families, high school counselors, college access professionals, and others to increase awareness and access to State scholarship and grant programs. In Academic Year 2023-24, the State provided more than $350 million in financial aid to Michigan college students. With your help, we can assist more students in identifying…
Leadership and the Water Tower: A Reflection
When thinking about a water tower, what images and thoughts come to mind about its form and function? Its towering presence, carefully engineered structure and ability to provide consistent service are impressive. But have you ever considered the water tower as a metaphor for leadership? Like a water tower that must carefully balance its pressure to meet the needs of the community, leaders too must regulate their sense of urgency. Too much…