New in this Issue:
- ISD/RESA Continuous Improvement Requirements
- SSoS Updates: Collaborative Partners Meeting Dates
- 2027 MASFPS & MDE Announcement
- OEAA 2026 Accountability Workshops
- MICIP Under the Hood: Assess: Data Story Status
Continuous Improvement Planning Requirements for ISD and RESAs
On August 27th, a memo was released regarding the Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) Section 380.1277(3) of the Michigan Revised School Code, that requires ISDs/RESAs to develop, adopt, implement, annually review, and maintain a continuous improvement plan focused on improving student outcomes, stakeholder engagement, evaluation measures, collaboration, professional learning, and long-range planning.
While many ISDs/RESAs have historically fulfilled portions of these responsibilities through career and technical education and special education planning structures, MDE recognizes an opportunity to more intentionally leverage countywide continuous improvement planning as a strategic support system for all districts and schools within an ISD/RESA service area.
In this issue, we spotlight Genesee ISD, who has taken the efforts one step further to share with colleagues across the state.
If you have not had the opportunity, please take a moment to hear directly from superintendents throughout the ISD in this short video.
SSoS Updates
Collaborative Partner Meetings
- October 30, 2026: Building the Data Story-What story is our data telling, and what do we need to learn before deciding what to improve?
- January 12, 2027
- March 4, 2027
- May 7, 2027
- In person, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
- Lansing area, additional details coming soon
Questions regarding Collaborative Partners or Statewide System of Support can be directed to MDE-SSoS@Michigan.gov
2026-27 MASFPS and MDE Conference Collaboration
It's not new, but it's going to be improved! MASPFS and MDE are excited to announce the joint collaboration to bring you an amazing 2-day Professional Learning Conference, combining the best of both worlds, in an effort to streamline the work, and enhance the vision of students first.
The 2026-27 Spring Professional Learning Institute will be held April 22-23, 2027 at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing.
Network with colleagues from across the state to talk about what's working in schools and challenges being faced in education. Discuss strategies and initatives that are being used to achieve high impact outcomes for not only our most at-risk students, but ALL students.
For more information, visit:
MASFPS - 2026-2027 MASFPS Spring Professional Learning Institute
2026 Accountability Workshops
The Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability is pleased to announce their 2026 Accountability Workshops.
Dates: September 22, 2026 - Kent ISD, and October 1, 2026 - Saginaw ISD
The workshops are half day (in the morning) and cover the school index and other related accountability initiatives. There is also going to be a full-day workshop at Wayne RESA (which will also include content on assessment) that is still in the planning phase.
Workshop Learning Objectives:
- Understand foundational accountability concepts, components and calculations of the Michigan School Index System
- Understand School Index report navigation on MI School Data and identify focus areas for school improvement
- Download and utilize accountability data files
- Explore research questions related to school improvement that may be answered using accountability data files
The workshops are intended for anyone who works with the school accountability results data, school improvement/MICIP/MTSS, etc. that may find it relevant to understand state index data and reports for their work.
For additional questions, please email MDE-Accountability@Michigan.gov
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MICIP:Under the Hood
Tips and Tricks to Navigate the Platform
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Assess Data Story Status
Do you know your Continuous Improvement status in MICIP?
When you enter MICIP click ASSESS in the top ribbon of the platform, then scroll down to your data stories.
Follow the columns of your Data Story to Status and Last Edited. A status of "In Portfolio" means the plan has been completed through strategy implementation, and it is available to monitor and evaluate. Any other status (as shown in the example below-Strategy) means that data story has not been completed.
Adjustments in Monitor or Evaluate
If adjustments are made in "monitor" or "evaluate" and not in the actual data story, it will not show that action in "last edited."
Adjustments must be made in the data story to change the "last edited" date.
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MICIP District and ISD/RESA Roadshow Sessions |
In-Person Professional Learning with the MICIP Team
The Roadshow is meant to be direct in person learning and is customized to the needs of the ISD/RESA or District.
Now that we are in our third year, and expanding the options, we are looking at hybrid options being integrated to be able to support more collaborative partners!
New for 2026-27: ISD/RESA Focused Sessions
These sessions are designed specifically for ISD/RESA leaders, facilitators, and support staff. Inspired by the Yellow Brick Road, these interactive sessions provide practical strategies, facilitation tools, and resources to strengthen regional continuous improvement efforts, build district capacity, and improve outcomes for all learners.
View Session offerings at: Roadshow Options for ISD/RESA
To book an event, email Dot Blackwell today!
Current Scheduled Roadshows on the Map
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District Session offerings:
- Click on the link of the event you are interested in, and it will provide a contact email to reach out, or Registration link. (Listed as registration if available). We look forward to seeing you this coming Tour!
TBD Onsted: Funding our Future/Budget Hold'em (This event is only open to Onsted attendees)
9/26-9/27 Genesee Intermediate School District Series: Sept. 18, Nov. 24, Jan 19, 2027, March 23, 2027, May 25, 2027.
The Upper Peninsula Series: Marquette-Alger RESA (9/22), Copper Country ISD (9/23), Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD (EUP) (9/25)
9/24/26 Eastern Upper Peninsula (ASCD only)
9/29/26 Bay Arenac ISD
9/30/26 Gratiot Isabella ISD
10/06/26 Saginaw ISD Registration
10/08/26 Bay Arenac ISD (ASCD only)
10/19/26 Jackson ISD (This event is only open to Jackson ISD)
10/27/26 Wexford Missaukee ISD
11/02/26 C.O.O.R. ISD
11/02/26 Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque ESD
2/16/27 Allegan Area ESA (ISD focus)
2/24/27 Allegan Area ESA (District focus)
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Feedback from Roadshow Participant Surveys
"I learned so many quick tips and it was a great refresher! All around, very validating to the work being done."
"I learned a lot about the requirements and also learned that we should have fewer goals in order to be efficient."
"It just built our confidence in the process."
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What's New in MiStrategy Bank
The annual quality review of all MDE-curated strategies in the MiStrategy Bank (MSB) is complete. Each strategy was reviewed for accuracy and relevance and updated as needed. Revisions were made to reflect current research, including adjustments to ESSA evidence levels where appropriate. This work reflects our continued commitment to providing ISD/RESD/RESA, district, and school partners with high-quality, relevant strategies grounded in research. MDE remains available to assist partners in selecting and implementing evidence-based or research-based strategies within their MICIP plans.
If you have questions about using the MSB or its MDE-curated strategies—or need assistance creating a strategy—please contact Dave Carlson, MDE Lead for the MSB.
For more information about the purpose of the MSB, account registration, user roles, and how-to resources, visit MAISA’s MiStrategy Bank webpage. For additional questions, comments, or ideas, please contact Amanda Stoel, MAISA Director of Innovation and Collaboration and MSB Product Owner.
Please share Continuous Communication
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Previous issues of MICIP Continuous Communication are available on the MICIP web page.
Need Assistance? Explore MICIP Resources!
Have questions or need assistance with MICIP? Check out our support options!
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MiServiceDesk: for technical support and quick assistance,
- Users requesting support for the first time will be required to sign up for an account and can then submit a ticket or chat live with the MiServiceDesk
- Returning users will be able to monitor the status of existing tickets and/or create new tickets
- The MICIP Platform Guide provides step-by-step instructions, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips regarding the MICIP Platform
- The MICIP Process Guide helps users navigate the MICIP Process.
- The MICIP Website contains many tools and resources to support the use of MICIP.
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