Public Comment on Proposed Disciplinary Literacy Preparation Standards 

MDE requests public comment on the proposed Disciplinary Literacy Standards for the Preparation of Middle Grades (5-9) and High School (7-12) Teachers. They will replace Michigan's current Certification Standards for the Preparation of All Secondary Teachers in Reading Instruction.  All feedback on the proposed standards must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., December 11, 2023, at Disciplinary Literacy Standards Public Comment. Comments will be reviewed and considered in the final recommendation to the State Board of Education in February 2024.  

Legislative Change: Report Employment Data More Timely for Student Safety 

In support of school safety and Michigan’s educator workforce needs, the Michigan legislature recently amended Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 388.1619 to gather school employment data in a more timely manner. Districts should now submit personnel changes within 30 days of a staffing event (e.g., hiring, termination, vacancies) in addition to submitting employment data twice a year.  

It is critical that the REP be updated in the new timeline to include all assignments to meet school safety and workforce needs. Further communications and trainings will be made available once procedures have been finalized. Please direct any questions to CEPI@Michigan.gov. 

The Annual Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window is Open 

Districts and public school academies (PSAs) may submit data appeals for inaccurate educator effectiveness ratings for any of the past five years into the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP). To support teacher re-certification, it is essential that educator evaluation and assignment information entered into the REP is accurate. This appeals window is only for the purpose of updating inaccurate effectiveness ratings data within the REP. It is not a process for contesting the outcome of an evaluation. Any data corrected during the appeals window for teachers in instructional roles will appear in MOECS immediately after being entered by the district.

Districts May Opt-In to Receive Teacher Value-Added Reports 

Since 2018, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has contracted with SAS to provide value-added reports to all districts and public school academies. These reports include diagnostic information and measures of academic growth that a teacher's students made in a selected grade and subject. These data can help educators reflect on past practices and proactively plan for current and future classes. In the 2023-24 school year, SAS will provide teacher value-added reports based on the 2022-23 state assessments, as well as NWEA MAP, STAR, and i-Ready.  

Teacher value-added reports are available to districts and public school academies that provide student-teacher linkages through the Michigan Data Hub (MiDataHub). If your district or public school academy would like to receive teacher reporting in addition to student enrollment updates and the standard reports for the 2022-23 school year, follow these steps to begin the process. This opportunity to opt-in closes November 1, 2023. 

Districts and public school academies can contact us to check on their opt-in status and are encouraged to opt-in as soon as possible to ensure data are uploading correctly.

Michigan Association for Gifted Children Mini-Conference  

The Michigan Association for Gifted Children (MAGC) is pleased to offer a two-night virtual mini-conference, "Navigating a Smoother Course for Gifted Students." This event will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, and Thursday, October 26, 2023. Featured speakers are Dr. Chandra Floyd, "A" is for Advocate: Championing Change for Gifted Children, from the Classroom to the Capitol (Tuesday), and Dr. Matt Zakreski, Riding Out the Storm: Managing Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students (Thursday). Guests are welcome to attend for either night or for both nights. SCECHs are available. Please visit the website, MAGC Conference, for costs, registration, and other details.

Getting Started Workshop for New Early Middle Colleges    

The Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education (MDE-OCTE) and the Michigan Early Middle College Association (MEMCA) would like to invite any school district that is considering opening an Early Middle College (EMC) to attend the EMC Getting Started Workshop on November 2, 2023.