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The Michigan ASCD received the Affiliate Overall Excellence Award from ASCD for outstanding accomplishments in 2005-2006. Michigan ASCD was honored during Annual Conference in Chicago. 

The award was given to Michigan ASCD for taking a series of bold steps to become the premier curriculum organization in the state and for its responsiveness to the diverse needs of its membership through its programs and products. ASCD also felt that Michigan ASCD has taken deliberate steps to diversify its membership, reaching into all regions of the state to tap new and diverse members and leaders.

Michigan ASCD was also recognized for its pioneering work in influence and advocacy acknowledging that its future depends on being "at the table" where decisions affecting teaching and learning are made.  As a result, the association is represented on countless committees and task forces and is sought after as a knowledgeable partner and reliable source in the state.

The leadership of Michigan ASCD says that it will continue to make deliberate efforts to move its organization from success to significance.

Curriculum Content Expectations and Guidelines

The Michigan Department of Education will be submitting the High School Content Expectations for Science for approval at the August 8th meeting of the State Board of Education.

The Department will also be making a presentation (not for approval) to the State Board of Education on the Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines for:

• Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Statistics
• English-Language Arts 9 (5 model units)
• English-Language Arts 10 (4 model units)
• Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Visual Performing and applied arts (guidelines)
• Online learning experience (guidelines)

The above will be available online on August 8 and Michigan ASCD will have those links on the Michigan ASCD website.

The Social Studies K-8 Grade Level Content Expectations and the 9-12 Course/Credit Content Expectations are scheduled to be completed on June, 2007.

Initial drafts for Language other than English guidelines are scheduled to be completed by January, 2007.

Important Dates for School Improvement and High School Summit

The State Department of Education is scheduling the following workshops for Michigan Educators:

Michigan School Improvement Fall Conference
November 6, 2006
Lansing Conference Center

Featured speakers:  Dr. Cathy Fromme (Creating Social Capital), Dr. Peter Noguera (Closing the Achievement Gap)

High School Summit

January 9-10
Rock Financial Showcase
Novi

April 15-17
Traverse Resort
Traverse City

In Partnership with Dr. Willard Daggett and the International Center for Leadership in Education

State Education Budget

The legislature approved the $13.2 billion School Aid budget in the Senate by a 36-1 vote and in the House by a 103-3 vote

The budget includes a $210 per pupil allowance in the foundation allowance.
 Also in the budget is $20 million to be paid to a number of school districts with declining enrollments.

Also approved, is the $90.7 million Education budget.

The approved budgets are being sent to Governor Granholm for her signature.
There is a possibility of some line item vetoes.
Following the Governor’s signature, the final budget breakdowns will be sent to you via the Michigan ASCD listserv.  It will also be posted on the Michigan ASCD website.

After Labor Day School Start Kicks in for the 2006-07 School Year

Beginning with the 2006-2007 school year, schools are prohibited from holding classes before Labor Day.  This does not apply to schools already operating a year-round school or program or and international baccalaureate academy that provides 1,160 hours of instruction.  If a district began operating a year-round school or program after September 29, 2005, the district may apply to the superintendent of public instruction for a waiver from the requirement to start after Labor Day.  Other year-round schools must request approval from the Department of Education to establish that they the school is a bona fide year-round school.