October 2024

SPOTLIGHT STORY

This month we would like to shine a spotlight on Branch Line School in Livonia, Michigan. Check out their Facebook page to read a message from their Zen Zone Teacher, Dashnae Domke.

What is School-Based ABA Therapy?

School-based ABA therapy refers to the application of Applied Behavior Analysis within the classroom. With a focus on maximizing learning opportunities and promoting positive social behaviors, ABA therapy in school settings combines evidence-based strategies and personalized interventions to enhance your child’s educational experiences.

School-based ABA therapy is facilitated by highly trained ABA therapists, such as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and/or Registered Behavior Technician. These committed professionals work closely with your child, helping them navigate their daily academic routines effectively and support peer interactions. Thank you to Dashnae for her commitment to caring for the students and staff at Branch Line School by providing a safe face, place, and qualified professional expertise.

STUDENT SERVICES UPDATE

Legal News in Student Services
Due Process: Do’s and Don’ts of Special Education Litigation

The first experience of the Special Education Due Process procedures can be daunting. The above article gives best practices when faced with a due process claim. Please review the above article as a matter of best practice.

Best Practice Corner

24-25 SUPO Special Education Focus
Per a 9/16 MDE Email:

Office of Special Education Reminder: Provision of Special Education Services for Transfer Students

With the beginning of the school year, we are aware that you may have students transferring in and out of your districts. We would like to remind districts of the responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) address how districts must handle the Provision of Special Education Services for Transfer Students (michigan.gov) for students who are currently eligible for special education programs and services and have transferred to a new district with a completed individualized education program (IEP). For questions on this document, please contact mde-ose@michigan.gov or 1-888-320-8384

Seclusion and Restraint Training
Crisis Prevention: Non Violent Intervention

The above link to the Crisis Prevention Intervention website can support your districts requirement of training key staff that provide support to students exhibiting intensive behavioral needs.


EXPLORE Program Grant
Explore Grant

• Purpose: This grant funds the development and maintenance of districts’ EXPLORE programming for students in grades 6-12 who are interested in a career in teaching. In the Future PME EXPLORE programs, local and intermediate school districts will develop hands-on learning experiences in teaching for students. As a partner, MDE will provide districts with flexible models for implementation; EXPLORE content, competencies, and curriculum; and free professional development for educators.
• Funding Structure: Districts are awarded up to $10,000 per participating secondary school building.
• Eligibility: Districts who have established EXPLORE programs OR who are developing or expanding EXPLORE programs.

SCHOOL LEADER MEETING

THEME: Together We Grow – Experiencing the Impacts of Poverty
DATE: Friday, November 22, 2024
TIME: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Bachand Hall – First Floor – HHS Gym (connected to Gilbertson Hall)

Link to RSVP for the School Leader Network Meeting Please respond by October 31, 2024

Helpful Tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing
• Invite your buildings counselor, parent liaison, or other staff that support students and families in poverty
• Be prepared to work with people you do not know
• Be familiar with your academy’s data regarding transportation, meal service, before and after school care, and programs to support students impacted by poverty.

*Save the date - February 7, 2025 - School Leader Network Meeting #3 – Balancing Leadership

**August 16 School Leader Meeting Materials can be found on our website.
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SUPO Professional Learning Networks Canvas Page

We are excited to announce that all SUPO academy school leaders will have access to a special professional learning network canvas page. You should receive an invitation prior to October 1, 2024.

This canvas page will allow school leaders to review topics and resources that were shared during leader meetings, preview upcoming presentations/workshops, learn, reflect on learning and interact with other leaders through discussion posts.

BOARD MEMBER TIDBITS

As a school board member, you play an incredibly important role in the success of the academy you serve. Proper training equips board members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to fulfill their roles effectively.

Key Benefits of Board Training:

1. Enhanced Governance Skills
   Board training provides members with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. It covers governance best practices, legal obligations, and ethical considerations, enabling board members to make informed decisions that align with the district's mission and values.
2. Informed Decision-Making
   Training helps board members stay updated on educational trends, policies, and legislation. With a solid foundation in these areas, they can better analyze data, assess educational programs, and make decisions that positively affect student achievement.
3. Strategic Planning
   Well-trained board members are equipped to engage in effective strategic planning. They learn how to set long-term goals, identify priorities, and develop action plans that align with the district’s vision. This strategic approach leads to improved outcomes for students and staff alike.
4. Financial Acumen
   Understanding school finance is crucial for board members. Training programs often include financial management basics, budget oversight, and resource allocation. This knowledge allows board members to make sound financial decisions that support educational initiatives while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
5. Effective Communication and Community Engagement
   Training fosters skills in communication and collaboration, helping board members engage more effectively with stakeholders. By understanding community concerns and fostering partnerships, they can build trust and support for district initiatives, enhancing community involvement in education.

Each school board member is required to complete two (2) hours of professional development annually. Regional In-person Board Trainings are available as well as virtual trainings. Specific Board training can also be requested from the School/University Partnership Office Field Representatives.

Regional Board Trainings (REGISTER HERE):

• Thursday, October 17, 2024: Detroit Area - Cesar Chavez Academy High School
• Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Traverse City - Grand Traverse Academy
• Wednesday, November 6, 2024: Detroit Area - Voyageur Academy
• Wednesday, November 13, 2024: Southfield - Faxon Academy

Virtual trainings available on the School/University Partnership Office website.

Once you have completed a training, please complete the 2024-25 Board Training Verification Form.

INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM

TEACHER/STAFF INNOVATION GRANT:

24-25 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Description (48KB)
24-25 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Application (41KB)
24-25 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Report Form (60KB)

Up to $1,000 (up to two programs per building)

Due: December 2, 2024 to drg@svsu.edu

TRAINING RESOURCES

Ai FOR EDUCATORS - RETHINKING CHEATING

AI for Educators - Rethinking Cheating – Here is the recording available for School leaders who are interested in providing this virtual training for your leadership teams/staff.  

CARDINAL ON-THE-GO

1. Click the Cardinal on the GO registration link and select your PD (Registration Link)
2. Expect a follow up email for a more detailed consultation.
3. Receive a tailored PD proposal to review and schedule your PD date.

MEET THE MICHIGAN CHARTER SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM 2024 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Wednesday, October 9
12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Join our #MiCSS24 keynotes Sam Seidel & Ariel Raz, Stanford University d.school lab co-directors for a pre-conference virtual conversation. They'll share a bit about their passion for education, where they innovation moving towards, and how charter schools can harness their flexibility and autonomy to achieve success. 

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88212588148
Meeting ID: 882 1258 8148

FALL LEADER ASSISTANT WORKSHOP

MASA and MASB recognize the important role administrative professionals play in the job of educating Michigan’s children in a safe and supportive environment. This joint event – held in partnership with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) – will be packed with professional learning, networking, and more.

When: October 10
Where: Lansing or Virtual
Cost: $198 per participant
REGISTER HERE!

MDE FALL 2024 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE

The Michigan Department of Education will host the Fall 2024 Continuous Improvement Conference on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West, Lansing, Michigan.
The theme of this year’s conference is Living Into Continuous Improvement: Off the Shelf and Into the Classroom.

When: Thursday, November 21
Where: Crowne Plaza, Lansing West
Cost: $275 (in-person option) and $225 (virtual option)
REGISTER HERE!

MICHIGAN CHARTER SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM 2024 (MiSCC24)

Wednesday, Dec 11-12, 2024 - Detroit Marriott Troy
200 W Big Beaver
Troy, MI, 48084

The Michigan charter school movement is comprised of diverse leaders, innovators, and pioneers - including you. We're giving you a platform to disconnect from your everyday life and network with the brightest minds in public education reform to discover innovative learning approaches featuring dynamic speakers, engaging sessions, and a fearless atmosphere.

Register Now >> https://micharters.salsalabs.org/micss24/index.html