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Those attending the MASSP Summer Retreat received the inside scoop as to the legislative directions the association is going. We put it right up front, it's not wise of an associaiton of school principals to support legislative attempts that will create a headline that reads - Principals Support Lower Academic Standards. We have made significant inroads within the Department of Education and Legislative and Policy leaders to redirect the benchmarks to essential skills creating a priority for teacher and giving them much needed direction.

Day One:  Jim Ballard presented and discussed update efforts to amend Michigan Merit Exam with School Aid Act...Sec 104.  All non-free students will pay for retakes, require all three parts of WorkKeys to be administered, requires the Department to identify specific GLCEs to be taught before and after grade 11.

Discussed:  Senate Bills 842 and 1275--Changes to CEU expectations and reading benchmarks, Principal's Bill of Rights tied to school penalties, updates on raising the compulsory school age to 18, and the "MI Math Wars" (amending MMC)

State Senator Gary Peters, while serving on the Senate Education Committee was a good friend of our association and educators in general. He listened to all sides, was thoughtful, and while following his caucus always was able to put in needed "course corrections" in legislation.

After leaving the Senate he ran for AG but was not successful. He went on to run the MI Lottery for a number of years. Now he running to represent the 9th Congressional District in Michigan. He is running against Joe Knollenberg.

As I stand before various education groups the questions that come at me are often telling of what's being discussed over the coffee table. Lately, it's been, "I've read that colleges are dropping using the ACT or SAT for admission?" What is implied is, our efforts to have the ACT as the foundation for our high school tests were a mistake. I still believe MASSP did the right thing and here's why.

- We know that most colleges/universities still require official ACT/SAT scores from those who are enrolling.

MASSP Association Update June 6, 2008 “Waiving Seat Time Requirements”

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Hello!

<> On Monday, June 16th, Milan High is hosting an
academy to present some of the high school transformation work that has
been completed here.  The sessions include:  Freshmen
transition plan;  Algebra I (less than 5% failure for all
Freshmen): English 9 (less than 5% failure);  Senior Rigor
(Portfolio, Internship, 13th year transition);  Leadership
course;  and other topics.

<> Click on the following link to download the academy brochure...

Milan High Academy 

I've been in the principalship eight years now. I sent my first four years working in a very small district. In my last year there the board of education was clearly running the superintendent out. I made a choice to continue to work for the superintendent and not individual board members. That choice certainly did not endear me to the board. So, when the superintendent left I chose to leave also.

April 25, 2008

...In addition, the lists of students may change daily as schools link (or attempt to link) the UIC's. Administrators would be wise to secure the documentation to support the exit code changes and then monitor CEPI's site for any changes. The UIC linking option ends April 21st, so building administrators have to get this done ASAP...

We are excited to bring our members THREE scholarship opportunities for this year's MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camps! To view more information about these scholarships, view our Camp Information Page.

$5,000 available, up to $1,250/schoolDeadline: APRIL 7, 2008