April 25, 2008
Monday - The high school principals of Macomb County, at their monthly meeting, brought in legislators from their region. I was suppose to be the moderator but ended up sharing and explaining. For example, our members voiced their frustration that we’re held to four years for graduation. I explained that is a State Board of Education issue and the legislatures really have nothing to do with it. The change in compulsory school age came up first. All of the legislatures gave wishy-washy answers. Before the meeting began I shared with the legislators that this would come up first and one told me his polling of his district showed a 60% favor of raising the age to 18. I shared that in our membership the results would be just the opposite. So, when he answered the question you’d have thought he was opposed to increasing the age.
I’d like to thank Dave Richards from Fraser HS and Pete Hedemark from Roseville for putting this together. It was great for everyone. I really enjoy to opportunity to spend time with you and explain the back-side of the policy discussions.
On Weds. MASSP put together a CTE Showcase at the Capitol. Fifteen schools set up displays in the Capitol hallway, like a trade show, and as legislators, staff, and Capitol visitors walked by they explained their program. Our presenters were all directed to get the message out that academic rigor is a part of CTE. We also did a press conference to promote the addition of the national career readiness certificate that will be added to the MME. This was a very, very, good day regarding Principal advocacy.
Also on Weds., MASSP training for six building teams in the Opportunity Audit training. This is a GREAT way for you to really see what programming obstacles you have in your schedule and in your classroom instruction for all of your students to reach the standard of academic rigor. At the summer retreat we are going to repeat this training for five more teams. MASSP is blessed that the Education Trust of Washington, D.C. has taken us under their wing and provided us this opportunity. I truly believe this training will give each of you the most effective school improvement training that is available to you. I will have a great impact on the way you do business in your school!
Thursday I testified before the Senate Education Committee regarding SB 842. One section of this bill would require all principals to take a 3-credit diagnostic reading program class including field practice. We didn’t object to the idea of all instructional supervisors receive training in reading but it should be appropriate to the level of supervision and that the training can be delivered by other training providers other than universities.
Last Saturday I was a judge at the Skills USA competition. This gave me the opportunity to spend the day with Senator Wayne Kuipers, Chair of the Senate Education Committee.
Next week I’m invited to the national State Scholars conference and will be spending three day with Sen. Kuipers, Chuck Wilbur, education adviser to the Governor, and education representatives from Ford Motor Company and the State Chamber of Commerce. I will be the only school building administrator at this nationwide conference. You know me, I won’t sit still. It gives us an opportunity to get the message of the building principal heard.