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April 2009
Force Teachers to Prove Skills (DetNews Editorial)
Submitted by jim on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 2:52pmMichigan should award licenses, not certificates, based on ability to teach
Deborah Loewenberg Ball
Michigan is considering making teachers' professional skill the basis for licensure. This would be a big step.
Nowhere in this country do we award teaching licenses based on an individual's ability to teach ---- for example, to communicate content clearly to students, hold students to high standards, support them explicitly in how to do complex work, establish a productive classroom climate, interpret and evaluate students' work and build effective relationships with families.
Instead we certify people to teach children if they complete an approved program. In some schools, we forgo licensure and allow people to teach who have no demonstrated professional capability.
Swine Flu - Michigan Information
Submitted by jim on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 2:39pmTransmission (Spread) of Influenza:
Influenza viruses are spread when a person who has influenza coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing viruses into the air and other people inhale the viruses. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to multiply, causing disease. The viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth.
A person who has the flu can spread viruses - that means they are contagious. Adults may be contagious from 1 day before feeling sick to up to 7 days after getting sick. Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days.
Preventing Influenza:
Swine Flu - AHSAA Shuts Down Events Immediately!
Submitted by jim on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 2:34pmApril 29, 09 - From the Alabama High School site:
AHSAA Shuts Down Events Immediately!
Steve Savarese, Executive Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, said Wednesday night that all AHSAA athletic events would be shut down immediately due to probable cases of swine flu that have shut down three school systems in the Huntsville area.
“Right now, we are being advised by our Medical Advisory Committee to shut down all activities until further notice,” Savarese said. “We hope to be able to resume activities by next Tuesday, but right now we must study the situation and take it one day at a time.”
Failing Schools Legislation
Submitted by jim on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 2:30pmFailing Schools Legislation
Discussions are ongoing on a package of legislation that will address chronically underperforming schools. As these bills are a work in progress, details aren't readily available. The current version of House Bill (HB) 4787 includes the creation of a state Reform and Redesign Officer (RRO) to work on reforming "failing schools." There are many components to this legislation and MASB continues to work with legislative leaders on crafting this bill into something that has real potential in creating a positive learning environment for the children in these schools. Again, stay tuned for further details or see the April 20 issue of Headlines.
State Budget and School Aid
Submitted by jim on Thu, 04/30/2009 - 2:29pmThe state budget for fiscal year 2009 (the current budget) has an estimated $1.3 billion shortfall. Leaders from the House, the Senate and the governor's office are working on a resolution for that deficit. The governor is expected to release an Executive Order (EO) at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5 reducing general fund spending to address some of the deficit.
Any shortfalls in the School Aid budget will assumedly be made up by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars. This creates awareness that whatever money coming from the ARRA will be spread extremely thin. As more details are made available, we'll send them your way.
[From MASB "News from the Capitol"]
Learning Around the Clock: Benefits of Expanded Learning Opportunities for Older Youth
Submitted by Chris on Mon, 04/27/2009 - 6:50am"Learning Around the Clock: Benefits of Expanded Learning Opportunities for Older Youth" identifies and describes Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs) that improve academic performance, college and career preparation, social and emotional development, and health and wellness outcomes for underserved youth. The term “expanded learning opportunity” is used to describe the range of programs and activities available to young people that occur beyond regular school hours. ELOs include traditional afterschool activities with an academic focus, but also incorporate activities such as internships with employers, independent study in alternative settings, classes on college campuses for high school students, and wraparound support services.
School Closing Bills to Get Hearing Soon
Submitted by jim on Fri, 04/24/2009 - 1:32pmContending he has had no voiced objections from either House leaders or officials within the Granholm Administration, House Education Committee Chair Tim Melton (D-Auburn Hills) said this week he would schedule hearings on his proposals that would allow the state to take control of failing schools. Under the provisions of House Bills 4787, 4788, and 4789, if a school fails to meet adequate yearly progress for four years and students are, based on test results, ranked at or below 35 percent proficiency in math and English, steps would have to be taken to improve the school’s performance. If the involved district cannot achieve the needed changes internally, then the state or an outside organization authorized by the state could assume the school’s operations.
Latino Population
We're looking for examples of Michigan schools that have sustained success with their Latino populations.
Please, let us know who your are?
MASSP Announces 2009 Secretary of the Year
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/23/2009 - 4:53pm
Sponsored by:
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