Curriculum Directors' Newsletter
October 2014
Keep Your Eyes Open!
1. 31a is changing! BEWARE! Some of the flexibility that might be attractive will still need to comply with TItle I requirements! Sybil Lenzi will be presenting at the Superintendent's Association Meeting on November 5th. MDE will be presenting all of the information on October 29th. Sign up today!
2. The new Program Evaluation requirement is for Schools and Districts. All of your Program Evaluation submissions will need to be submitted prior to your Consolidated Grant being approved. Make sure your principals are attending the Program Evaluation session (last call on October 28th) and don't forget to send the person who completes your D.I.P.
3. Deadline to submit a request to take the Spring Assessments with paper/pencil has been extended to November 14th.
4. Student Learning Objectives. There has been some buzz about using SLO's as a way to track student growth. There has been training around the state through MASSP. This strategy would be used as a way to develop objectives for all content areas as well as those pesky ones (art, band, etc..) that are hard to chart student growth. Stay tuned and additional trainings will be held in Genesee County.
5. Our Math Goal for districts is: Meeting or Exceeding State Average
Linda Funsch has included a summary of all of the Math PD K-12 that is taking place along with the districts that have representation. Make sure your principals are having them share, use, demonstrate, revise lesson, discuss, etc... These are all research based strategies that have high impact when used appropriately. Linda will be happy to come out and review your math data. Give her a call at: 591-4497.
November Leadership in Action
Communication and Providing Feedback
Molly Funk
Consultant, Coach and Trainer
Thursday, November 6th :
Repeat Sessions from
8:30-11:00; 1:00-3:30; 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Here are the Survey Results from our October session. Thank your for the feedback!
PLC Check-Up!
Try these questions:
1. When are they collaborating?
2. How are they collaborating?
3. What are they collaborating about?
4. Are you certain that all teachers and departments have agreed on what all student should know and do?
5. How are they going to get them there?
Take the survey and have them self evaluate and discuss. Where are they? Where do they want to be? How will they get there?
MDE Assessment and Accountability Update:
MDE is providing a newsletter with their assessment updates. Check out Spotlight on Student Assessment & Accountability
In case you missed it, here is the Spring 2015 Testing Schedule (as of 9/11/2014)
Michigan Merit Curriculum
Teacher Certification/Evaluation
Planning Your Local Evaluation System for 2014-2015 by Bob Kefgen, MASSP
Articles of Interest to Curriculum Leaders
A Few Articles from the latest issue of Learning Forward
This month's issues focuses on the central office's role in educational leadership. Check out a few of the articles below:
Wisdom from the Factory Floor-learn how a central office staff created the conditions for change to occur.
To Move Your Career Forward--Retreat- This is an excellent article reminding us to occasionally step back so that we don't lose sight of what matters most.
Finding Time for Professional Learning - This workbook from Learning Forward provides a process and tools for districts reviewing ways to build in professional learning into their daily schedules.
Upcoming Professional Learning
Education and Learning
Email: mbehm@geneseeisd.org
Website: www.geneseeisd.org
Location: 2413 W. Maple Ave, Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 591-4469