Snyder, Flanagan Address Cyber Charter School Legislation

Governor Rick Snyder and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan today said that the student enrollment cap for cyber schools contained in Senate Bill 619 clearly is the Legislature’s intent and will be enforced. The bill, which allows for a phased-in expansion in the number of cyber schools, was approved by lawmakers on Wednesday.

New Mathematics Programs Now Available on Michigan LearnPort

The Bureau of Assessment and Accountability (BAA) has announced the newest program for the Michigan Online Professional Learning System (MOPLS) hosted on Michigan Virtual University's^® (MVU^®) Michigan LearnPort. 

Two Michigan Schools Awarded National Green Ribbon Schools Awards

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan applauded the announcement this week by the U.S. Department of Education that Clarkston High School and Detroit Edison Public School Academy have been designated Green Ribbon Schools.

State Board Reaffirms its Support for Key Policies That Advance Michigan Education

The State Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming its support of four essential education policy positions that will help move Michigan schools forward, and asked the state Legislature to support these positions, as well.

Michigan Nominates Three Schools for National Green Ribbon Schools Award

Three Michigan schools have been nominated for the National Green Ribbon Schools Award, the Michigan Department of Education recently announced.

Revised Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) Now Available

A PDF version of the revised Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) Supplemented With Selected IDEA Federal Regulations is now available on the CEN website.

Michigan Schools to Receive More Federal Education Jobs Funds For Teachers

Michigan schools will receive an additional $22.2 million in federal Education Jobs (EduJobs) funds in April, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) recently announced.

State Board Extends Contract of State Superintendent Another Three Years

The State Board of Education today gave state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan a positive evaluation and extended his contract one additional year, to May 1, 2015.

Eleven Libraries Across Michigan Receive Literary Grants from the Center for the Book

The Michigan Center for the Book is sponsoring 11 events in the coming year, with grants totaling $2,964. The funded programs include Big Read programs, author visits for adult and children’s authors, programs highlighting Michigan's history and ethnic heritage, and reading programs that keep children on track during the summer and help families experience the wonder of learning to read together.

More Fresh Produce Being Served in Michigan School Meals

The demand has grown and Michigan school districts are using more fresh produce in their school meals, the Michigan Department of Education recently reported.

Department of Education Requests Waivers To Federal No Child Left Behind Provisions

Schools, students, and teachers across Michigan would benefit from a restructured and integrated system of school accountability with proposals in the Michigan Department of Education's (MDE) request to waive portions of the decade-old federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001.

State Board of Education to Have New Member in 2013

State Board of Education Treasurer Marianne Yared McGuire, a member of the State Board since 1996, has announced she will not seek re-election in November for a third term.

Four Michigan Schools Receive 2012 Excellence in Practice Awards

Four Michigan schools have received the prestigious Excellence in Practice Awards from the Michigan Department of Education, recognizing exemplary practices in preparing Michigan's students for careers and higher education.

State Board Adopts Resolution on Governor Snyder's Federal Year 2012-2013 Budget Recommendation

On a unanimous, bi-partisan basis, the State Board of Education recently approved a comprehensive Resolution on Governor Rick Snyder's federal year 2012-2013 state budget recommendation, as it pertains to education.

Statewide Reading and Mathematics Proficiency Increases on 2011 MEAP Assessment

Statewide reading and mathematics scores in the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP), tested each year in grades three through eight, saw positive gains compared to the previous year, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) reported today.

State Superintendent Mike Flanagan Highlights Tools for Michigan Educators

Where can you go when you need prompt, reliable education resources? State Superintendent Mike Flanagan highlights some extraordinary tools for Michigan educators available from the state's award-winning online information support system.

MACUL Recognizes Michigan eLibrary for Outstanding Contributions to Education

The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) has named Michigan eLibrary (MeL), the flagship program of the Library of Michigan, as the recipient of its 2012 President’s Award.

Hunger Doesn’t Take A Summer Vacation

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is looking for community sponsors to run summer food programs to prevent more than 552,000 children in Michigan from going hungry when school lunchrooms close for the summer.

College Goal Sunday Helps Students, Families File for Financial Aid

Hundreds of volunteers will help college-bound Michigan students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA at more than two dozen, statewide College Goal Sunday events February 12, 2012.

MDE Receives USDA Grants to Improve Food Security for Kids During Summer Months

Michigan will continue to provide and study innovative ways to address the critical need of providing healthy nutrition during the summer months to low-income children.

MDE Delivers Student MEAP Results to Schools

School districts in Michigan received their fall 2011 MEAP student-level results last December, allowing teachers to review and direct individualized focus to students.

Library of Michigan’s 2012 Michigan Notable Books Reflect Our State’s Legacy and Perseverance

On January 3, 2012, the Library of Michigan announced the list of the 2012 Michigan Notable Books; 20 books highlighting Michigan people, places, and events.

Flanagan Responds to Michigan's Exclusion from the Federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant

The following is a statement from state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan, in response to Michigan not being selected to receive a federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant:

State Board of Education Makes Budget Priority Recommendations for 2012

On a unanimous, bi-partisan basis, the State Board of Education recently approved its education priorities for Governor Rick Snyder and the Legislature to consider as they formulate next year’s budget, recommending "a significant portion on any budget surplus be invested in pre-K, K-12, and higher education."

PBS Newshour Video Details Michigan Efforts to Prevent Dropout

The PBS National Newshour broadcast a piece on dropout prevention in the Detroit area on Friday, Nov. 25. 

2011-12 NASDSE Professional Development Series Announced

The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) will hold a Professional Development Series in 2011-12 featuring information on high-interest topics from nationally recognized experts.

Improving Family Involvement Resource Explains Six Types of Family Involvement

The "Improving Family Involvement" document is an online resource organized around Joyce Epstein's framework of six types of family involvement—parenting, communication, volunteering, learning at home, decision-making, and collaborating with communities.

Student “Letters About Literature” Writers Win Accolades and National Awards!

On May 10, 2011, the Michigan Center for the Book announced Michigan’s award winners and finalists for the national Letters about Literature contest.

Letters about Literature is an annual contest sponsored by the National Center for the Book at the Library of Congress. In the program, young readers write letters to authors, living or dead, describing how the authors’ work changed their lives. Students participate through classroom activities or individually. Target is the sponsor for the Letters about Literature program.

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.