Mobile Learning/1:1 Learning: STUDENT ENGAGEMENT - State wide, we are seeing multiple Mobile Learn/1:1 Learning deployments which include Westwood Community Schools and Michigan Technical Academy who were awarded the Mobile Learning Pilot Program through the FCC along with Oxford Public Schools, Center Line Public Schools, Berkley Public Schools, Northpoint Academy and others. Device offerings include $199.99 Tablet Computers, $49.99 - $149.99 Netbook and Notebook Computers and No Cost Connection Cards all provided by Sprint. Sprint also offers significant discounts on their monthly data service and quality content filtering options for CIPA compliance.

National Erate 470 Option: SAVE TIME AND MONEY - With less support and time to work through the lengthy Erate process, MiCTA (a Group Purchasing Organization based in Saginaw, MI) allows for Existing and New Members to take advantage of their National Priority 1 Erate USF Form 470. The certified 470, which is valid through 2016, enables program-eligible members to take advantage of exceptionally low multi-year contract pricing on both telecommunications and internet services from Sprint. The MiCTA National Certified P1 470 also allows MiCTA to amend the contracts associated with this 470 over the life of their term assuring that eligible MiCTA members will be able to take advantage of excellent pricing and state of the art technology on all program-eligible services, and eliminates the need for MiCTA members to file their own Form 470 requests. Any program-eligible entity may join MiCTA, even on the last day of the USF filing window, and take advantage of the great savings MiCTA can offer. For more information about MiCTA and USF-eligible services, please “CLICK HERE.”

For questions about the Mobile Learn or the National Erate USF Form 470, Please contact Jeff Muglia at 248-390-0930 or at jeffrey.t.muglia@sprint.com

New Michigan ASCD Member Benefit – Free Online Subscription to School Leadership Briefings

MDE releases talking points to help districts explain cut score re-alignment

Survey finds momentum is slow in implementing common core
~Education Week

Duncan is optimistic about the future of education in Detroit
~The Detroit News

Mich. hopes to make online learning more accessible to students
~Detroit Free Press

More schools use online tools to communicate with parents
~ The Detroit News

Report: Federal assistance is needed to make digital learning work
~eSchool News

Mobile-learning initiatives are receiving federal support
~District Administration magazine

The challenges of improving wireless in schools
~T.H.E. Journal

How STEM instruction is getting a boost from technology
~NBC.com/Education Nation blog

Beyond Angry Birds: Mobile apps that help students learn
~Edutopia.org

How digital learning could free teachers
~Education Next

Teaching with technology in a single-computer classroom
~Education Week Teacher

Large districts face challenges implementing school technology
~T.H.E. Journal

Is classroom technology a wise investment?
~The New York Times

How technology can improve classroom management
~Edutopia.org/Nicholas Provenzano's blog

Help Students Use Social Media to Empower, Not Just Connect
~Edutpoia

The Importance of Digital Citizenship in Social Media
~Edutpoia

Setting goals for implementing technology this year
~Edutopia.org/Mary Beth Hertz's blog

Many public high schools are introducing iPad programs this fall
~ABC News/The Associated Press

Internet Essentials program connecting students at home
~MASA e-Leader

5 reasons to use YouTube in the classroom
~KQED.org/Mind/Shift blog

6 ways to add technology to the classroom
~Edutopia.org/Adam Bellow's blog

Sites for sharing curriculum materials
~Edutopia.org/Vanessa Vega's blog

Grants offer schools access to online autism curriculum
~T.H.E. Journal

Reaching the Goal: The Applicability and Importance of the Common Core State Standards to College and Career Readiness
~The Education Gadfly

Education Update:
Special Issue—Election 2011 

Educational Leadership (EL):
Promoting Respectful Schools 

Save the Date for ASCD's Annual Legislative Conference
~ASCD Educator Advocates

ASCD, other groups aim to help teachers implement common standards
~Education Week/Curriculum Matters blog

ASCD leader: A bipartisan commitment to students, education is needed
~Education Week

MDE Memos

Michigan Education Dashboard

Stripping the Varnish
Teachers from across the state requested to be on State Superintendent Mike Flanagan’s Educator Advisory Group this summer.  In this podcast welcoming in a new school year, Mike shares some thoughts and video from that candid conversation. 

Presentation on New Cut Scores on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) and Michigan Merit Examination (MME) to be Consistent with Career and College Readiness (Assessment and Accountability – Joseph Martineau)  

Tougher MEAP test rules OK'd
~Detroit News

Mich. considers raising proficiency standards for state tests
~The Detroit News

Mich. lawmakers propose parent-trigger law
~Detroit Free Press

Senate Republican introduce “Parent Empowerment Reform” Package
~MASA Legislative Update

Budget cuts, reforms bring changes to Mich. schools
~Detroit Free Press

Mich. proposal seeks to privatize public-school teaching jobs
~The Huffington Post

Committee OKs Union Dues Paycheck Deduction Bill
~ Gongwer News Service

Detroit schools in line for $348 million under jobs plan
~Detroit Free Press

Senate leader wants right to work for teachers
~Chicago Tribune/Associated Press

Superintendents, teachers union urge caution on bold education reform package
~Grand Rapids Press

House panel takes swipe at teachers union
~Detroit News

How tougher Mich. standards are affecting students with special needs
~Battle Creek Enquirer

State wants kids' weight data
~Detroit News