Reviewing MDE Permit & Placement Flexibilities & Options
In the last month, MDE has put out a whole series of memos regarding new permit and placement flexibilities. These are in addition to some flexibility that MDE has had in place for a while now. All of this comes in response to Michigan's educator shortage and can provide principals with some welcome options, but it can be tough to keep track of it all. So let's review six different flexibilities currently…
Esports Action Amps Up for Michigan High Schools
The esports industry is growing exponentially worldwide. According to multiple studies, the United States is estimated to hold the largest esports market share by the end of 2023. In Michigan, we are one of the leading states collegiately – not only with player scholarships but with the variety of degree programs offered by multiple institutions throughout the state. To ensure high school students are able to use the variety of opportunities available…
Lessons Learned from Steve Hawley
Word has been spreading around the State about the untimely passing of retired Lake Orion Principal Steve Hawley. Steve did not retire willingly; he still had several great years left to give to his school, but he had to leave to focus all his energy on his beloved family and fighting the cancer that ultimately took his life. Steve and I became colleagues and friends when I served as Principal of Rochester High…
Don’t Forget About Your Child Find Requirements
With the school year well underway, principals must continue to be cognizant of their special education and Section 504 obligations to students. Although many of these requirements are handled by special education staff or your school’s Section 504 Coordinator, all administrators must remember the school’s child find obligations. As the school year progresses, principals already have a lot on their plate. It is imperative, however, that you – and all staff –…
Keeping Up with the College Board: What is Changing as we Sprint toward Spring Assessments
MASSP, in partnership with the GELN and the College Board has hosted a series of webinars focusing on the College Board's digital assessment suite. Those sessions were provided free to anyone who registered. These webinars are specific to the Fall Testing external of MDE. Here are the direct links to those webinars: Part 1: SSD and Registration (non-MDE assessments) Part 2: The Test Day Part 3: Tech Coordinator Part 2 (Redux): The Test Day Part 4: Practice, Practice, Practice…
Defining What’s Next for the Principalship
(listen to this article; recorded with AI-generated AudioRead) I enjoy making up my own words. Not like my mother enjoys making up lyrics to songs when she doesn't know the words – although I admittedly do enjoy doing that on occasion too, and not like Lewis Carroll with his “portmanteaus” (words smashed together to make new words, like “smog” for example), but making up my own words to describe things. Defining the…
QUICK TIPS DECEMBER | Dealer’s Choice
It is important to keep things moving forward as we near the mid-point of the school year. Sometimes it's the little things that can make a difference in how your day, week or month goes. MASSP Board of Directors share some keys to their success related to the holidays, approaching mid-year challenges and more: Mid-Year Meeting Tips: Send the reflective questions to teachers that you are responsible for evaluating. Have them respond,…
LegalEase November 2023 | PWFA and the PUMP Act
Over the last year, Congress passed two pieces of legislation designed to significantly help working mothers. They are the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act). Both went into effect in 2023. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for the PUMP Act, with final rules expected to go into effect next year. The PUMP Act…
National Civics Bee Coming to Michigan for Middle Level Students
The National Civics Bee is coming to Michigan and is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students across the state. The event, which is being hosted by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with six local chambers of commerce around Michigan, is an excellent opportunity for middle school students to flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. The competition aligns with the Michigan Social…
Legislature Sends Educator Evaluation Reform to Gov’s Desk
The Michigan Legislature has passed SB 395-96, a pair of bills that make significant improvements to Michigan’s decade old educator evaluation law, including reducing the percentage of evaluations based on student growth, restructuring the rating categories, and potentially reducing evaluation frequency. The bills also add some additional process and protections for Principals like mid-year reviews, a process for appealing bad evaluations, and mentoring for new principals. The bills saw some important improvements from…