jim's blog
Lack of Member Insight vs. Lower the Standard
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.
MASSP Looking for volunteer to work on Gary Peters Race
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.
I hear colleges are dropping ACT?
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.
My Friend John Says "Watch-out"
...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...
My Field Trip to Visit Rhode Island HS’s, and What I Learned About Algebra II
On Tuesday evening, I climbed onboard the Delta commuter to take me to Providence, Rhode Island to join the Michigan delegation taking part in the American Youth Policy Forum Field Trip. I was AYPF’s guest for the next two days. On the plane with me was Kathleen Straus, President of the State Board of Education. We would meet the other Michigan members at breakfast the next morning. Our delegation consisted of representatives from the Governor’s office, a State Senator, a MDE advisor, the Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools, Kathleen and myself.
"Take One For The Team" Doesn't Seem to Work for Building Principals
Saturday, March 1st, the association hosted an event for members to come together to share their experiences and ideas about contract strategies for their local bargaining association. Twenty-five MASSP members listened as Tom White, Executive Director of the school business officials gave insight to school funding, the Michigan economy, and retirement issues to understand when at the bargaining table. Tom Derderian, the labor attorney used by MASSP advised on strategies and answered questions specific to member contracts and group obligations. After Mr.
Advocating for the Principal – It’s been a good week
February 15, 2008 – I spent some time in the Governor’s Office visiting with Chuck Wilbur, Education Policy Advisor for Governor Granholm. Joining me was Don Wotruba, MASB Government Affairs Director. Our topic was the Governor’s proposed 21st Century Schools proposal, i.e., Small High Schools. We advised Chuck that many were seeing this as a “bricks and mortar” proposal. And, a surprising number of perceived to be high performance high schools met the criteria to be eligible for grants under the original wording. He was surprised and said this was not the intent.
Last Chance
Nominations for Secretary of the Year are due February 15th!
March 1st is the special workshop on employment contracts - sign up!
CTE Showcase entries are due...
Come'on West Michigan, sign up for "Are They Telling the Truth!"
Try not to forget valentines day.
Get these done, you're cool.
It builds a lot of goodwill in your office
It is fun to watch the pride a principal has when their secretary is selected as one of our four yearly winners in the MASSP/Horace Mann Secretary of the Year Program.
I've seen the pride each of the secretaries have when they are notified that their principal nominated them for the honor.
It's just plan cool.
So, it's nomination season. Take advantage of a opportunity to say to someone, good job!
For the form just search secretary nomination.
