January 19, 2010
     

  
Good Things Happening in Our Schools:

Michigan submits "Poster Child" application in federal Race to the Top competition
Yesterday afternoon, Governor Granholm and Superintendent Flanagan submitted Michigan's comprehensive education reform application to earn up to $400 from the "Race to the Top" federal incentive program.  Michigan's application outlines efforts to link student performance to teacher effectiveness, allow more quality charter schools, develop a state intervention plan for the poorest-performing public schools, and provide alternative routes to teacher certification.
 
The state's application will be made available online after today's filing deadline.  According to Joe Williams, executive director of Democrats for Education Reform, a national advocacy group, "It looks like Michigan is the poster child for how 'Race to the Top' was supposed to work."
 
Click here for today's story in The Detroit News.

Have you ever wondered what it was like for a student in your school that uses a wheelchair or that is visually impaired?
At MAPSA’s Disability Awareness Seminar on February 3rd, you will have the opportunity to experience this and many other simulated learning disabilities!  In an abbreviated version of this event at the MAPSA conference, nearly 100% of attendees gave it an “excellent” rating.

In a hands-on and interactive format, the day will focus on giving you, as an educator, not only an awareness of mainstream disabilities but also the tools to create solutions for your students.  Simulation stations will focus on visual, sensory, speech and physical impairments as well as a number of other learning disabilities.  Case study analysis will be determined based on the common needs identified by attendees in order to create real solutions to be taken back to the classroom immediately!

SB-CEU Credits Available! Registration Deadline is January 27th - Space is Limited!!

Please click here to download a registration form.  The event will be held at the Detroit Sheraton in Novi.

If you have any questions, please contact Keri Brown at kbrown@charterschools.org or call MAPSA at (517) 374.9167.

Attention School Leaders: Recognize your staff and the impact of your school.
We are now accepting nominations for the 2010 Charter Teacher of the Year, Charter Administrator of the Year and School of Excellence!  These awards are a perfect way to show the achievement of your staff and the impact of your school.  Nominations are due March 19, 2010.  Click here and look in the Conference Resources box for details.
 
Interested in Leading a Breakout Session at the 2010 Michigan’s Charter School Conference?  Share your Expertise – We’re Now Accepting Proposals!
Each year, charter educators from across the state lead breakout sessions at MAPSA's annual conference, to share insights, challenges and educational victories with their peers.  It is an excellent way to highlight the efforts of individual educators and expand their impact into multiple schools. Proposals are due March 19, 2010.  Click here to access our "Call for Proposals" form!