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Seclusion and Restraint Standards

Following months of public testimony and study, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted standards for the emergency use of seclusion and restraint of all students (not just special education students). The standards limit the use of seclusion to defined emergency situations and provide clearly outlined restrictions regarding student egress and the required presence of school staff.

The policy limits the use of restraint to emergency situations and provides outlined limitations and conditions. For more information, visit

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Seclusion_and_Restraint_Standards_180715_7.pdf

Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Infant and Toddler Programs

The standards describe high-quality early education and care for Michigan’s youngest children. The document is aligned with other documents that describe quality for children as they enter the preschool and early elementary years. When systematically linked and implemented, these documents will provide the framework for Michigan to improve its early childhood programs and services to reach even higher quality, our children will meet the expectations we have set for them, and we will achieve our vision of a Great Start for them all. To view these documents and gain greater insight on Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Infants and Toddler Programs, please visit the following web address.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/ECSQ-IT_Final_180649_7.pdf

New Office of Educational Technology Director

Bruce Umpstead is the new Director of the Office of Educational Technology, beginning on January 3, 2007. Previously, Mr. Umpstead was the Director of Operations for the Promoting Rigorous Outcomes in Math and Science Education, a project at Michigan State University. The Office of Educational Technology was created last year in an effort to serve as a main point of contact between various offices; to assist and manage MDE’s data/technology priorities and projects; and to put the MDE in the leadership role of helping schools use technology.

The United States Congress leaves schools and educators wondering, “What’s next?” Before the end of the year, the Senators and Representatives passed bills that would either reduce or level educational funding, still leaving schools with less money than 2005. With increased costs for Defense spending, many are concerned that few resources will be available for education as the new Congress takes office.

The Michigan Promise

House Bill HB 6302 and Senate Bill SB 1335 (the Michigan Promise) were signed into law by Governor Granholm. Michigan students can now plan on receiving a $4,000 state scholarship for completing two years of college or a technical school. Students who do well on the ACT test will be eligible to receive $1,000 each during their freshman and sophomore years in college and the balance after finishing those two years. Students who do not score well on the ACT will receive $4,000 following the completion of their first two years in school as long as they maintain a 2.5 grade point average.

The scholarship is funded through the state’s tobacco settlement. By the end of this decade, it is expected that some general funds will be needed to help finance the program.

Michigan Merit Curriculum Requirements for Special Education Students

SB 1427 changes some of the special education student requirements for the Michigan Merit Curriculum. The bill clarifies the process of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) in which a student can change some of the curriculum requirements directly related to a disability.

This bill was signed into law by Governor Granholm.

Attorney General Ruling

In Opinion 7196, the state’s Attorney General allowed school districts and certain government entities to invest in flexible repurchase agreements as long as the districts and government entities obtain approval from their governing bodies to do so. Repurchase agreements are defined as agreements between a seller and a buyer, usually of U.S. government securities, where the seller agrees to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price and, usually at a stated time.

The ruling came after a question by Senator Wayne Kuipers who wondered if this would be a violation of the school code.

Student Enrollment Decline

Michigan school districts have lost some 15,000 pupils in just over a year. Reasons for the decline include a lower birth rate and the erosion of families as they move to other states in search of employment.

Middle School Summit

February 6, 2007, Macomb ISD

Middle School Summit
Effective Middle Schools lead to Student Success!
Keynote Speakers: Pat Benson, Director of Michigan Schools in the Middle, Central Michigan University and Diane McMillan, Associate Director, MASSP

This workshop will address:

• The priority steps that middle school faculty and administrators should be taking NOW to ensure student success in both middle school and high school.
• How high school reform has a lot to do with middle schools.
• Proven middle school practices that impact student learning and actions.

The workshop includes:

• Keynote speakers who will share what works in middle schools for both students and staff.
• A knowledgeable panel of Michigan Educators who will address the challenges in middle school education.
• 16 breakout sessions of PROVEN middle school practices that lead to student and staff success.
• Quality reference resources.

Bring a team! This is a unique opportunity to meet with educators who are facing the same challenges as you and seeking answers to those challenges. Superintendents, curriculum directors, principals, teachers, school board members, counselors, and other interested educators are invited.

Hours:

This workshop will run from 8am until 3:15pm.

Cost:

Individual Registration:

$100 Michigan ASCD Member

$175 Michigan ASCD Non-Member (Includes an annual Michigan ASCD Membership)

District Team Registration:

If one member of a district team is a Michigan ASCD member, the entire team can register at Michigan ASCD member cost, $100 each.

If no member of a district team is a Michigan ASCD member, one member of the team must register as a Michigan ASCD non-member, at $175 (Including an annual Michigan ASCD Membership), and the remaining team members can register at Michigan ASCD member cost, $100 each.

District Team Registrations cannot be submitted online.  The entire team registrations must be faxed together to 517.327.0771.  One registration form per team member, please.

Printable Registration Form                      Register Online

Tentative Agenda