Michigan's Integrated Improvement Initiatives (MI3) is a system of improvement initiatives supported by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services.
Changes to federal education legislation have increased the focus on both student performance and system accountability. These changes, reflected in both No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have created a climate of increased focus on scientifically-based research to enhance and improve instructional delivery. These changes demand an increased focus on fiscal expenditures and cost to value assessments.
MI3 links IDEA mandated initiatives through increased cooperation and integration of efforts in the areas of marketing and communication, project management, evaluation, fiscal management, and effective implementation of evidence-based practices. The MI3 system:
- Increases dialogue among initiatives.
- Maximizes use of resources among initiatives.
- Increases awareness of stakeholders regarding available support and resources.
The Center for Educational Networking (CEN) supports the statewide communication and dissemination efforts of the OSE-EIS and the MI3 system. OSE-EIS and the statewide improvement initiatives funded through IDEA depend on CEN as a central resource for print and digital communication services. CEN provides services related to Web site development and support, document design and editing, information dissemination, and conference coordination support.
MI3 and CEN are funded by IDEA mandated activities funds through the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services.