January 2024 MICIP Continuous Communication

In this issue of MICIP Continuous Communication

This issue of MICIP Continuous Communication includes a new resource for selecting Universal Screeners, Social Emotional Learning Assessments, and Behavioral Health screeners, information about the MI Kids Back on Track Tutoring Vendor Application, upcoming training opportunities, a link to the Statewide Field Team newsletter, and much more!

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A Guide for Selecting Assessments and Screeners

The new Choosing and Using Assessments and Screeners guide describes the important differences between universal screeners, Social Emotional Learning skills assessments, and behavioral screeners that will help educators select the appropriate tool for use in their district.

The integration of screening in schools to assess students’ social, emotional, and mental health is a strategy used to determine the adequacy of support provided within a multi-tier system for students’ well-being. The terms “screeners” and “assessments” are often used interchangeably in the research literature to denote data collection tools. With the help of properly trained staff and a plan for implementation, screening tools can provide schools with data to recognize students’ strengths and challenges; in turn, this information can be used to inform next steps to understand and address students’ needs. 

Prior to screening students, it is essential that schools have properly trained staff who can safely and effectively screen children and adolescents; a system for referral and follow-up when screening identifies a problem that requires further attention; and access to school-based and community resources to adequately address students’ mental health needs. Before undertaking screening, it is critical that schools ensure they are connected to the resources necessary to address the student needs that screening identifies. 

This guide provides an overview of the distinguishing factors among different types of screeners as well as their purpose, audience, and considerations when selecting one to use.

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South Carolina DOE Agreement

At a national presentation last year, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) had an opportunity to learn about what was happening with the continuous improvement process (MICIP) in Michigan.

As a result, the SCDE requested access to the MICIP framework with the intent of creating a South Carolina version of MICIP.  Since MICIP was built in part using federal funds, MDE is obligated to share the basic MICIP code. Prior to sharing the code, MDE and its partners will be deleting any Michigan-identified information and links.

It is a wonderful opportunity for Michigan to share its story at a national level. To be able to change the conversation regarding continuous improvement has been a labor of love. We look forward to seeing the South Carolina version of MICIP.

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MICIP Collaboration Series and User Group

• The Collaboration Series will resume from 9:00 – 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 17.
• The next User Group will take place from 9:00 – 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 14.

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MICIP Training

The MCIP development team is currently working on a fix that will allow multiple users to work in the same plan at the same time, sometimes called concurrency.

While the fix is planned to go live in February, we will be providing two identical opportunities for training in January. Each session will consist of 30 minutes of training and 30 minutes for questions and answers:

• 10:00 – 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 23
• 1:00 – 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 25

Connection information for the identical trainings is as follows:

• Concurrency Training Link
• Meeting ID: 986 4230 9276
• Passcode: 9bmvGK

This training will be recorded.

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MI Kids Back-on Track 23g High-Impact Tutoring

The MI Kids Back on Track High-Impact Tutoring Vendor Application opened on December 14 and has been posted on the MAISA website (gomaisa.org). The application and the vetting process align to the legislative language of Section 23g of the 2023-24 Michigan School Aid Act. 

MAISA supports the MI Kids Back-on-Track program by vetting vendor high-impact tutoring programs.

MAISA will curate vetted high-impact tutoring programs in MiStrategyBank.

The tutoring strategies MAISA curates in MiStrategyBank will include:

• implementation guides
• fidelity checklists

These resources are valuable resources for districts as they plan, implement, and monitor tutoring strategies in their MICIP plans.

In the months ahead, MAISA will be providing technical assistance related to integrating these strategies into district MICIP plans. 

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Living Into Continuous Improvement

At the September meeting of the Michigan Continuous Improvement Facilitators Network (MCIFN), attendees were asked to answer the question,

“What does it look and sound like to live into continuous improvement?”   

As part of our Living Into Continuous Improvement theme for this year, we will be sharing these responses in Continuous Communication throughout this academic year.

Some of the responses included the following:

• Asking questions, sitting and listening.
• Living into and committing to an equity lens.
• Be present in our work all of the time.
• Asset-based/strengths-based decision-making.
• Reflective practices

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Statewide Field Team Newsletter

The Statewide Field Team December Newsletter is: Tailoring Support

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Please share Continuous Communication

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Previous issues of MICIP Continuous Communication are available on the MICIP web page.

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Feedback is Essential for Continuous Communication!

Have a question an idea, a suggestion, or a compliment? The MICIP team is always eager to hear your feedback! Send us an email using the MICIP email address (mde-micip@michigan.gov).