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Can't see the images? View as webpage   Forward February 4, 2019 David, Starting today, a statewide online educator survey is being fielded by Launch Michigan, a diverse alliance of education, labor, business and philanthropic groups. MEA is a partner in Launch Michigan, representing the interests of school employees in the coalition. You will be receiving an email shortly from Launch Michigan inviting you to take part in the survey.  MEA is encouraging all K-12 school employees to take time this week to participate and to make your voices heard about what you need on the front-lines of public education to help every student succeed. “We owe it to our students and our professional colleagues to take part in a survey like this,” said MEA President Paula Herbart, one of Launch Michigan’s co-chairs. “For years, educators have wished for policymakers to ask them – the experts on the front lines – what’s needed to help students succeed. Launch Michigan is asking those questions, and I’m hoping every Michigan educator shares his or her views.” The survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete – please take time by this Sunday, Feb. 10, to make your voice heard. Survey responses – which are confidential – will be used by Launch Michigan to guide a set of policy recommendations it intends to propose to the Governor and state Legislature. Shortly, you’ll receive a separate email from Launch Michigan with the subject “Statewide Educator Survey” – that email contains your personalized survey link. If you don’t get the survey by this evening, email info@ewhiteresearch.com and let them know you’re an educator (include where you work) and they’ll send you a link to complete the survey. Please note that the survey firm, Emma White Research, has your email information only for the purposes of this survey – they are required to delete them after their work is complete, so your information is secure. Thank you for sharing your opinions with Launch Michigan!   Facebook   Twitter   YouTube   Instagram

Subscriber, Here’s a hard truth: As a product of our society, our nation’s education system has a sordid history of racism, one that still permeates today.  Here’s another hard truth: If we do not actively, consciously create spaces, policies, and practices that combat racism, we will re-enforce racism in our schools, and, in turn, our society.  One way to engage students and communities with issues of social justice is to participate in the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, February 4 to 8.  Racism and systems of oppression are heavy subjects. But, even first graders respond to books and exercises that put an emphasis on understanding why people are different and treating others fairly.  There are any number of ways to get involved. Display a poster to show your support for change. Engage your classroom in one or several activities. Read a selection from the Read Across America Calendar to your class. Propose your school or district adopt a resolution in support of the Black Lives Matter guiding principles.  NEA’s Center for Social Justice has worked with our coalition partners to assemble resources for you to participate in the Black Lives Matter At Schools Week of Action.  While the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action is only five days long, these are lessons and actions we should practice all year round.  Let’s be the change we seek in the world. If we start with our own families and classrooms, it will have a ripple effect across your school, community, state, and yes, even our nation.  In solidarity, Lily Eskelsen García President National Education Association P.S. Each day next week, we’ll be sharing simple actions you can take as part of the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action. Be sure to follow NEA on Twitter and Instagram and #BlackLivesMatterAtSchool.  Black Lives Matter at School

News Release Contact:     Marilyn Schneider, State Board of Education Executive Phone:       517-241-7161 Applications Now Being Accepted for Michigan’s Next State Superintendent January 25, 2019 LANSING – Applications for persons interested in becoming Michigan’s next State Superintendent are now being accepted, the State Board of Education (SBE) announced. The State Board of Education has hired the executive search firm Ray & Associates to conduct the search. In addition to discussions with State Board members on what skills and attributes they’d like to see in the next State Superintendent, Ray & Associates also have had preliminary conversations with education stakeholders and top policymakers in Michigan. Those interested in applying can learn more here: https://rayassoc.com/job-details.php?ID=475. Deadline to apply is March 11, 2019. Interested persons are asked not to contact individual State Board of Education members or the State Board Office in Lansing. When the application window has closed, the State Board of Education then will review the applications and work towards identification of finalists, including reference and background checks by the search firm. The SBE may decide to extend the search depending on quality of applicants. Closed Sessions may be used to discuss applicants who request “to remain confidential.” Public and/or closed sessions will be held to evaluate and identify potential leading candidates. The State Board then will select candidates to invite for public interviews. The State Board of Education is granted the responsibility to appoint a State Superintendent by the Michigan Constitution. The State Superintendent is the principal executive officer of the Michigan Department of Education and is chairperson of the State Board without the right to vote and shall be responsible for implementing its policies, and has all the powers and duties provided by law. The State Superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision, and leadership of the Michigan Department of Education. The Superintendent is responsible for developing cooperative working relationships with other government departments; the Governor’s office; the state legislature; and constituent groups, in service of SBE policy and the Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 strategic plan for improving education. This top education position became open last spring upon the death of State Superintendent Brian Whiston. Chief Deputy Superintendent Sheila Alles was appointed Interim State Superintendent by the State Board at that time. # # # Applications for State Superintendent.pdf  Questions?  Contact Us

Assessments To Support The Whole Child Educators need a variety of assessment types to meet teaching and learning outcomes. In this month’s Top 10 in 10 video, Interim State Superintendent Sheila Alles describes how the Michigan Department of Education prioritizes the use of a comprehensive & balanced student assessment system in support of the whole child to achieve Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 strategic education plan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1D1uwzBseU  Questions?  Contact Us STAY CONNECTED: