CTE at the Middle-Level
As a former middle school principal and teacher, I certainly understand the dynamic of 7th and 8th grade students…and they are fun (for some of us). I loved their energy and enthusiasm as they approached any topic that interested them. The challenge for middle level administrators and teachers is often channeling their energy in positive and productive ways.
Support Struggling Learners, Don’t Enable Them
This past year I was thinking about all of the work that principals and teachers do with our students who struggle to learn. The state's focus on accountability measures that target those students who perform in the "bottom 30%" really forced more intervention efforts around Michigan. Through this process, I saw many educators, myself included, looking for ways to close the gap and help intervene with our struggling learners. As I always say, there is no substitute for quality instruction. Research confirms this.
This Week in Politics in 5 Sentences (or Fewer)
The House was in town this week long enough to decide that they don't have the votes to pass the Senate's road funding proposal, so it seems likely that the debate will drag on through the summer. The House took up SB 358—a bill to remove the cap on teacher certification testing fees—but did not vote on the legislation. Test fees have to cover the cost of development, administration, and scoring, so MDE is having difficulty updating or improving the teacher certification test because the test fees are so low.
July - Just Do It
Building Academic Vocabulary - The Why and the How
Prioritizing Instructional Leadership - Time Management 101
Planning for Beginning of the Year PD
New Adviser Mentor Program
Questions, Answers, and Michigan-Specific Info on PSAT, SAT
If you have questions and concerns related to PSAT and SAT, you're are not alone. Over the past several weeks, MASSP has heard from a number of Principals with issues around accommodated testing, fee waivers, unused test booklet fees, and even seat spacing. And we have the answers and resources you need!
Below, you will find answers to a few common questions. In addition, College Board – in collaboration with the MDE – recently announced two Michigan-specific efforts to resolve your concerns and answer Principals questions.