Explore the collaborative approach MDE and the ISD’s are taking to implement instructional data systems for every school and classroom in Michigan. The program is funded by ARRA Title IID federal dollars. Examine the strategies three ISD’s are using to achieve “so what”— improved learning outcomes for all students. Analyze the results of program evaluation that has tracked the changes in practice of more than 10,000 classroom teachers. Learn how your district can achieve data driven instruction by employing on your own Regional Data Initiative.

Michigan adopted the Common Core State Standards in June 2010 and serves as a Governing state in the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium. Session participants will be provided with information on the current status of Michigan’s implementation of the Common Core State Standards and participation in the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium.

According to organizations such as the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and the Hewlett Foundation, today’s students need certain skills beyond an understanding of core content knowledge (such as the ability to collaborate and solve complex problems) in order to succeed beyond high school. This session will describe the process that the OAISD went through in collaboration with local districts, businesses, and colleges to define this skill set for all students throughout the OAISD.

The Education Alliance, staff from MSU, and a broad range of educators have researched evaluation models and effective practice that meet Michigan’s new evaluation requirements. The focus is on how to design a system that meets not only the requirements of the law, but also the needs of administrators and unions, and is true to the “Framework for Educator Evaluation” endorsed by the MDE. The session will look at best practice, how to define “student growth,” and the processes needed to develop a system with the “buy-in” of the entire district. Participants will also be asked to share insights from their own experiences.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the leading STEM program in the US with more than 4000 schools in all 50 states. This program has significantly impacted student achievement and student persistence in critical STEM careers. PLTW has been implemented in a small number of Michigan Schools when compared to our sister states in the Midwest. Most of the students in secondary schools do not have the opportunity to take advantage of this program. A description of the program, program requirements, program impacts and implementation procedures will be presented.

This interactive presentation will cover the QSR process, developed by The Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University in collaboration with the school accountability and leadership specialists at Class Measures, Inc., for use in effectively evaluating and supporting charter public schools in driving improvement in educational outcomes and ensuring accountability.

Michigan Technological University has created an exciting mobile program called MIND TREKKERS. MIND TREKKERS has engaged over 100,000 students and parents in dynamic hands-on STEM activities in the past 12 months. The event includes a wide variety of engaging hands-on STEM based activities, mobile labs, engagement of businesses/ corporations in the event area, and higher education institutions. Come and learn how this event will help students develop their dreams of the future and chart their path to achieve it.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and engage in discussion around current state and local initiatives supporting a common kindergarten readiness assessment and the extension/adoption of early learning standards across early learning settings (P-8) in Michigan. Recent Michigan survey results, as well as national trends, will also be discussed.

Utica CSI Governors summit 4-11Twenty-first century skills, not rote memorization. Student research and analysis, not stand and deliver. Active student voice, not passive adolescent listener. The team from Utica Community Schools will discuss their unique Center for Science and Industry (CSI) Academy. The CSI staff uses the brain-mind learning principles to enhance students’ natural abilities and create a classroom environment of “high challenge, low threat” utilizing collaborative work teams. CSI students learn in collaborative work teams, math and design, within the context of three CTE programs: Engineering Technology, Mechatronics and Multi-media Production. The team will present ideas for getting your students “out of rows and into learning.”