Director of MDE's Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services Retires

Jacquelyn J. Thompson, the Director of the Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (OSE-EIS) at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), retires today, July 30, 2010.

Michigan Moving Forward With Reforms Despite Not Being Chosen for Race to the Top

Michigan is committed to implementing the rigorous education reforms signed into law earlier this year despite not being named a finalist in the second round of the federal Race to the Top initiative.

Rigorous High School Requirements Paying Off With Higher Test Scores

The rigorous state high school graduation requirements signed into state law four years ago are paying off with higher test scores, the Michigan Department of Education reported today.

State Board of Education Unanimously Adopts Common Core Standards

The State Board of Education recently unanimously adopted the Common Core Standards—a set of rigorous, college and career-ready K-12 curriculum standards that states across the nation are considering adopting to bring consistency in education across the states.

Struggling Michigan Schools Eligible For Federal School Improvement Funds

Additional funding now is available for 108 schools in Michigan struggling to increase student achievement, the Michigan Department of Education recently announced.

Student “Letters about Literature” and “River of Words” Writers Win Accolades

Six Michigan students have been recognized for their work in literature, according to The Michigan Center for the Book.

Michigan Submits Race to the Top Application

The Michigan Department of Education has submitted the state’s second round application for the federal Race to the Top grant, meeting the June 1 deadline.

Global Studies Teacher in Grand Ledge Named Michigan Teacher of the Year

Matinga Ragatz was named 2010-2011 Michigan Teacher of the Year today during a visit from state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan and State Board of Education Secretary Carolyn Curtin.

LearningPort Web Site Launched as a National Professional Development Library

LearningPort is a national professional development library of learning modules, tool kits, archived Webinars, and video resources designed by U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to support the use of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.

Michigan Department of Education Announces Recipients of 2010 “Breaking Traditions” Awards

The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education, has selected 39 students from across the state to receive its Breaking Traditions Awards, Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan recently announced.

Michigan’s Race to the Top Application Secures All Three Key Signatures

Michigan’s federal Race to the Top application for Round Two was signed today by all three of the required state officials: Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan, and State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus.

Michigan State Board of Education Unanimously Adopts Balanced, Bi-Partisan Plan to Reform and Finance State’s Education System

The State Board of Education has unanimously adopted a balanced and bi-partisan plan to reform, restructure, and finance Michigan’s education system, from early childhood education to post-secondary.

Council for Exceptional Children's Special Education Professional Ethical Principles Are Now Available

The Council for Exceptional Children's newly revised Special Education Professional Ethical Principles are now available.

Project Forum Web Site Offers New Resources

The Project Forum Web site is offering two new resources for download.

Phi Delta Kappa Releases Student Data Article

Phi Delta Kappa, the monthly magazine for Phi Delta Kappa, the international professional association in education, published an article by Dr. Joseph Martineau, Director of the Office of Assessment and Accountability for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). In his article, Dr. Martineau uses an allegory to help illustrate the use of student data in educator evaluations.

More Oversight Recommended for Emergency Financial Managers for Schools

The State Board of Education last week called for greater oversight of Emergency Financial Managers for school districts.

State Board of Education Presents Comprehensive Plan For Education Investment and Reform

State Board of Education members have agreed on what public education funding should look like in Michigan and are seeking comment over the next month on the draft recommendations, as well as on the specific mix of cuts and revenues that would pay for that system.

Adapted Cognitive Assessment Laboratory (ACAL) Announces New Web Site and Recruitment Opportunities

Over the last five years, the Adapted Cognitive Assessment Lab (ACAL) has focused its research on adapted cognitive assessments for children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) Reading and Math Scores Continue to Climb

Student reading scores on the statewide Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test rose in all grades compared to the previous year, while the disparity in academic performance between groups of students has narrowed significantly compared to 2005, the Michigan Department of Education announced today.

Library of Michigan's eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat) Celebrates Five Years of Service to Michigan Residents

The Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat), the Library of Michigan’s statewide resource sharing system, celebrates its fifth year of service to Michigan residents.

State Board Member Nancy Danhof to Serve on National Task Force on State Actions to Develop Educators for the 21st Century

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to announce that Ms. Nancy Danhof a member of the Michigan State Board of Education, has been selected to serve on a year-long NASBE study group—Developing Educators for the 21st Century— to examine the skills and knowledge required to teach and lead 21st century schools and administer districts.

Kathleen Straus Chosen to Serve on National Task Force to Issue Recommendations on the Structure of Schools for Learning in the 21st Century

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to announce that Kathleen Straus, chair of the Michigan State Board of Education, has been selected to serve on a year-long NASBE study group—The Structure of Schools: Time and Technology in 21st Century Learning—to examine the core principles and design elements required to develop and scale 21st century innovative learning environments.

Micah Fialka-Feldman Wins Fight to Live in Oakland University Dorm

Micah Fialka-Feldman, a student at Oakland University, moved into Vandenberg Residence Hall on January 5, 2010 after a two-year court fight with the university.

MDE, OSE-EIS Guide to Timelines for Initials Available

The Michigan Special Education One Pager: Timeline for Initials, clearly explains the basic content, process, and timelines necessary to complete an Initial Evaluation and an Initial Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the required timeline.