On Wednesday, April 10 the House Education Committee will start taking testimony on a pair of bills that would make significant, damaging changes to the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC). The changes would include stripping out the requirements for Algebra II and world language, changing the classes students can use to fulfill their science requirements, and reducing the number of math credits a student needs to take under a personal curriculum.

Six years ago, I attended an online learning symposium sponsored by the Michigan Virtual University (MVU) at Michigan State University. During this symposium, I heard about the power and possibilities of online learning. At that time, I saw the potential of expanding the world view of our students and became interested in offering Mandarin Chinese to the students of the school I served.

Heads up! The Michigan Department of Community Health recently launched it's new website with resources and online training courses about concussions. The goal of this free resource is to better educate student athletes, parents and coaches about the symptoms and dangers of sports concussions and our new state law regarding these serious head injuries.

Are you are feeling behind or overwhelmed by your school improvement requirements? I wanted to tell you about a very helpful website that can guide your work – The Practical School Improvement Timeline for Michigan. This resource is intended to promote practical, attainable, real school improvement – that a healthy school improvement cycle (one not driven solely by compliance) can actually have a positive impact on students.

Michigan's premier education conference will be here before you know it! EdCon 2013 is scheduled a week earlier this year, June 17-19 at the Grand Traverse Resort. The buzz is strong around the conference already with 100 people currently registered – triple the number we had on this date last year! We are looking forward to a fantastic conference with engaging keynotes, essential breakout information and many opportunities for both formal and informal networking with colleagues.