February 5, 2019
Educators Benefit from Curated Collections on Assessment
Paul Liabenow, MEMSPA Executive Director
Are you looking for a reliable way to find answers for your educational assessment questions? The Michigan Assessment Consortium (MAC) has assembled curated collections of assessment resources . The collections focus on specific topics that are important to understanding good practice and the elements that contribute to effective assessment systems.

Each curated collection comprises articles, research studies, websites, videos, presentations, and MAC-produced publications. The resources and tools are selected, combined, and presented on one easy-to-access webpage that will enhance a user’s understanding about one topic at a time. The curated collections are not exhaustive; they are, however, similar to ingredients pulled from the kitchen of a good home cook—MAC curators keep essentials on hand, attend to origin and quality, and use expertise to combine ingredients or make reasonable substitutions. 

The envisioned user of MAC’s curated collections are individuals who are looking to expand their own understanding and/or that of their colleagues. We are coming to understand that teacher research and inquiry is a major emphasis of professional learning in high-performing countries. Teacher- and principal-led professional learning suggests the need for retooled work days that afford research and preparation time. Through their curated collections, the MAC hopes to provide educators a “jump start” to assemble ingredients that will enhance understanding about assessment.
Principal to Principal: Are YOU Listening to Your Teachers?
Derek Wheaton
Derek Wheaton
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”--Stephen Covey

Many research studies tout the importance of teachers being involved in and influencing decisions that are impacting the classroom. A recently published RAND Corporation study on How Much Influence Do Teachers Have in Their Schools? provided some interesting insights and stark differences in the perception of principals versus teachers.

According to nationwide data from the American Educator Panel as part of a RAND Corporation study:

Ninety-six percent of principals surveyed feel that teachers are involved in making important school decisions, while only 58 percent of teachers do.
Almost all principals (98 percent) feel that teachers have a lot of informal opportunity to influence what happens at school — a much higher rate than for teachers (62 percent).

  • Ninety-seven percent of principals thought their teachers were comfortable voicing concerns, but 31 percent of teachers reported that they are not comfortable voicing concerns in their schools.

What if ALL Kids Had An Apple Watch
Ryan Schrock, Traverse Heights Elementary School
A few weeks ago I got an Apple Watch, not only because I think it's cool, but because it has features that will help me monitor my health. My goal as a leader is to maintain balance by eating healthier, exercising more, and to use the same mindfulness practices that we teach students. My new device has a sensor that measures heart-rate, so when I'm walking the dog I can compare that rate to when I'm at rest, which has been about 72 beats per minute (bpm). It's pretty sweet.

The other day I was using our old snow blower to clear the driveway. As I made my first path and approached the street, I hit something that seized up the machine. I could get it started, but the auger and impeller would not spin or engage. At that moment, my heart-rate went up to 123 bpm. I tried everything to get those gears moving again only to discover that a belt had snapped and needed replacement. So... I shoveled the driveway by hand. By the time I finished, I had worked up such a sweat and felt really great. Exercise was a was perfect start to my day. I looked at my heart-rate and throughout the entire time I was shoveling snow, it never went above 105 bpm. Whoa! My heart rate was higher during an emotional experience than it was after working out for over an hour.

Administrator Guide to Online Learning
Administrator Guide to Online Learning  now available! 
In the competitive landscape of school choice, online learning can provide your school with an edge by offering students a broader curriculum, more flexible scheduling options, and access to the 21st-century learning skills. Created in partnership with MEMSPA, MASA, MASSP, and MAISA, our  Administrator Guide to Online Learning  is intended to inform building administrators about best practices for online learning and, ultimately, to maximize student learning outcomes in the online environment.
 
In this free guide, we explore answers to the following questions:
  • What is online learning?
  • What are the differences/similarities between online and face-to-face learning?
  • Why are students choosing online learning?
  • What is the administrator’s role in online learning?
  • What are some common misconceptions about online learning?
  • How does one establish and maintain a successful online learning program?
 
EXPLORE THE GUIDE:   https://hubs.ly/H0gsnSy0
Partner Spotlight
Join educators for the 11th Annual Leader in Me Symposium series – the most influential and inspiring event for educators in North America! This year over 5,000 passionate educators in more than 20 locations will attend Symposium to gain a deeper understanding of the paradigms and practices shared by local Leader in Me Schools.

At the Leader in Me Symposium, you will:
Share innovative ideas with other educators.

  • Develop new skills at pre-conference training.
  • Learn best practices in breakout sessions.
  • Gain inspiration from thought leaders.
 
Here are a some of the incredible opportunities coming to the Michigan Symposiums:
 
  • New High School Content: Created in collaboration with the genius of
  • Leader in Me high school creators David Hatch, Gary McGuey, and Lonnie Moore.
  • New Breakout Sessions: Featuring new research and hot topics in education including, resilience and equity. 
  • 7 Habits for Families: The expansion of 7 Habits for Families into Symposium encourages us all to Inspire,
  • Imagine and Lead Together.