July 2024

SPOTLIGHT STORY

SUPO/SVSU Charles McNair Freedom School Partnership

Charles L. McNair Freedom School is a 6-week summer reading program that will immerse students in a culturally rich and student-centered environment that aims to foster a joy of reading and ignite a sense of hope to be advocates for social justice.

2024-25 INNOVATION GRANTS

Innovation Grants are being offered for the 2024-25 School Year. Up to $15,000 for school-wide programs (1 per building) and up to $1,000 for teacher/staff programs (2 per building).

As leaders and staff reflect on upcoming professional development and building initiatives, consider how a SUPO Innovation Grant could support student success.

The grant description, application, and report forms are located on our website.

SCHOOL LEADERS

SAVE THE DATES!

2024-2025 School Leader Meeting Dates:

Friday, August 16, 2024 @ SVSU
Friday, November 22, 2024 @ SVSU
Friday, February 7, 2025 @ SVSU

Outstanding Employee Award Celebration:

Friday, May 16, 2025 @ SVSU

BOARD MEMBER TIDBITS - IMPORTANT

LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT UPDATE

Mandatory Training for Teacher and Administrator Evaluations

All charter schools should review the changes to the Revised School Code that impact evaluation systems for teachers and school administrators (MCL 380.1249 and 380.1249a). The changes are effective as of July 1, 2024, and include the following requirement:

380.1249(2)(n): "A ... public school academy shall ensure that training is provided to all evaluators and observers. The training must be provided by an individual who has expertise in the evaluation tool or tools used by the ... public school academy that may include either a consultant on that evaluation tool or framework or an individual who has been trained to train others in the use of the evaluation tool or tools. This subdivision does not prohibit a ... public school academy ... from providing the training in the use of the evaluation tool or tools if the trainer has expertise in the evaluation tool or tools."

Additionally, the following is required by September 1, 2024:

380.1249(5): "By not later than September 1, 2024, and every 3 years thereafter, each individual who conducts an evaluation under this section or section 1249b shall complete a rater reliability training provided by the ... public school academy, or the entity that employs the individual. The training must include at least all of the following:
    (a) A clear and consistent set of evaluation criteria that all evaluators can use when assessing teacher performance.
    (b) Clear expectations for what evaluators should look for when assessing teacher performance, including identifying key behaviors and practices that are associated with effective teaching.
    (c) Training on the evaluation process itself, including how to conduct classroom observations, collect data, and analyze results.
    (d) Calibration exercises that help evaluators practice using the evaluation criteria and establish consistency in the evaluator's evaluations.
    (e) Ongoing support for evaluators, including feedback and coaching to help the evaluators improve their skills and ensure they are consistently applying the evaluation criteria."

The Michigan Department of Education has its Educator Evaluations Frequently Asked Questions webpage that provides additional information regarding the new requirements in the Training section.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Legal News in Student Services

Thrun Law: Extended School Year Considerations

A consideration during each IEP meeting is to consider the student's need for extended school year services at all breaks, these could be provided at times other than summer break. Included in the Thrun Law firm article is supporting documentation for ESY from MDE.

Best Practice Corner

MDE Guidance for Special Education Staffing

MDE provided this documentation in June of 2023, yet it is still helpful today as we continue to struggle with adequate staffing concerns for our schools.

STAFFING PERMITS AVAILABLE SOON FOR 2024-25

Beginning July 1, Michigan schools may begin applying for staffing flexibilities for educators. These staffing flexibilities include permits, Special Education Approvals, and the Annual Career Authorizations. Permits are applied for and issued to the employing school district. If it is anticipated that vacancy in a non-core subject area will extend for an entire academic year, remember that the initial Full-Year Basic Permit has the same requirements as the Daily Substitute Permit (60 semester credits). As an additional reminder, a Michigan certified teacher can teach up to 90 consecutive calendar days outside of the subject area(s) or grade level(s) authorized by their endorsement without need of a permit. When in doubt, get a Daily Substitute Permit!

For more information on permits, please visit our Educator Placement and Flexibilities webpage.

TRAINING RESOURCES

SVSU Cardinal-on-the-Go

Cardinal-on-the-Go professional development sessions are FREE to all SVSU Public School Academies. They are designed to provide coaching, leader support, and/or staff development crafted for and with academy staff.

Click the link below.
Preview the workshops/presentations.
Complete the questions and submit.
You will receive a follow-up email to confirm dates, time, and instructional delivery.
A survey will be sent to the requestor to share with staff. The workshop will be tailored based on the results of the survey.

Cardinal on the Go Request form

SVSU Online Professional Development Offerings

All courses listed are at least 24 SCECH credits and can be completed between 4-6 weeks. All classes are $140 per person.

See SVSU's Professional Development Page for a complete listing of offerings.

CONTACT US.

School/University Partnership Office
Office Location: Gilbertson Hall
Email: supo@svsu.edu
Phone: (989) 964-4623

Contact Us