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  1. 2024 Annual Conference

    2024 Annual Conference

    August 15, 2024 – Novi

    Registration and Details

  2. Orientation – 5/3/24

    New Board Member Orientation

    May 3, 2024 – Lansing

    Registration and Details

  3. Orientation – 4/23/24

    New Board Member Orientation

    April 23, 2024 – Grand Rapids

    Registration and Details

  4. Coffee with Special Education – April 17

    Standards-Based NOT Standards Bound, Part Four

    April 17, 2024 – Virtual

    Registration and Details

  5. Orientation – 4/16/24

    New Board Member Orientation

    April 16, 2024 – Southfield

    Registration and Details

  6. Coffee w/SPED – 3/20/24

    Standards-Based NOT Standards Bound, Part Three

    March 20, 2024 – Virtual

    Registration and Details

  7. BDS – 3/12/24

    Finding, Recruiting, and Onboarding New Board Members

    March 12, 2024 – Virtual

    Webinar Recording
    Webinar Presentation Slides
    Sample Policy for Board Composition and Expansion Handout
    Board Profile Worksheet
    CMU Orientation Document
    Governance Committee Handout
    Prospective Board Member Questionnaire
    Recruiting – Cold Calling to Find Exceptional Trustees Handout
    Recruiting – Setting a Strategy Handout

  8. Coffee w/SPED – 2/21/24

    Standards-Based NOT Standards Bound, Part Two

    February 21, 2024 – Virtual

    Recording

  9. BDS – 1/25/24

    Direction of Michigan Education Policy

    January 25, 2024 – Virtual

    Recording
    Engagement Resource Guide
    School Legislator List

  10. Episode 30: Culturally Responsive Schools – A Discussion with Shena Hill-Scott and Dr. Von Glass

    In this episode, we hear from two educators who are leading the way by connecting with students through culturally responsive schools. They bring their insights in this area directly to listeners covering everything from ideas for teachers in the classroom to how the entire school community can support students. Join us to learn more about this important topic from Shena Hill-Scott from Pembroke Academy and Dr. Von Glass from Warrendale Charter Academy.

  11. Coffee w/SPED – 1/17/24

    Standards-Based NOT Standards Bound, Part One

    January 17, 2024 – Virtual

    Recording

  12. BDS – 1/11/24

    Assessment Literacy Webinar: What Board Members Need to Know

    January 11, 2024 – Virtual

    Recording
    Webinar PowerPoint
    MAC Assessment Literacy Standards Handout

  13. Episode 29: Exploring Literacy – A Discussion with Dr. Chad Waldron

    Tune in for this episode as we welcome Dr. Chad Waldron, faculty member and director of The Literacy Center at Central Michigan University. Dr. Waldron shares insights starting from defining literacy and expanding out to student engagement, literacy across the curriculum, and current literacy research. He also discusses his upcoming professional learning opportunities that are available for educators at CMU partner schools.

  14. Episode 28: Preparing the Teachers of Tomorrow – A Discussion with Dean Paula Lancaster

    As a new school year begins, we are excited to share an in-depth conversation with Dr. Paula Lancaster, the dean of Central Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Services. Dean Lancaster shares her thoughts on the many ways that teacher preparation has evolved and how CMU continuously adapts to meet the needs of future teachers. She also provides her insights on a diverse range of education topics from the use of technology in education, to special education, and inspiring students to become teachers. If you are an educator in a CMU partner school, you won’t want to miss the information on how you can receive 50 percent off a CMU graduate degree through the Charter Educator Tuition Program.

  15. Charter Educator Tuition Program – Informational Webinar

    Charter Educator Tuition Program – Informational Webinar

    November 16, 2023 – Virtual

    Recording

  16. NWEA – 8/24/23

    NWEA Informational Webinar – What happened to the NWEA site?

    August 24, 2023 – Virtual

    Webinar PowerPoint

  17. Episode 27: Cultural Competency – A Discussion with Dr. Luay Shalabi

    On this episode, we explore cultural competency with Dr. Luay Shalabi, a former charter school leader and current mentor with Global Educational Excellence. He shares insights from his decades in education on the importance of embracing cultural competency in classrooms, including ideas for educators and the impact on students.

  18. 2023 Annual Conference – 8/15/23

    2023 Annual Conference

    August 15, 2023 – Novi

    Presentations and Handouts

  19. Academic Performance Reporting Overview – 8/10/23

    Academic Performance Reporting Overview

    August 10, 2023 – Virtual

    Recording
    Webinar PowerPoint

  20. Episode 26: Positive Youth Development – A Discussion with Sarah Weisbarth

    On this episode, we learn more about Discover You from Sarah Weisbarth, the organization’s director. She shares insights on the important concepts that they focus on through this positive youth development program. We also learn about the state funding available to support schools that would like to implement the program.

  21. BDS – 5/30/23

    Focusing in on Conflicts of Interest and Incompatible Public Offices

    May 30, 2023 – Virtual

    Recording
    Webinar PowerPoint

  22. BDS – 4/27/23

    Finding, Recruiting, and Onboarding New Board Members

    April 27, 2023 – Virtual

    Recording
    Webinar PowerPoint
    BoardOnTrack Recruitment Resource

  23. Coffee with Special Education – 3/15/23

    ESY Determination, Planning and Scheduling

    March 15, 2023 – Virtual

    Recording
    Presentation

  24. Episode 25: The Importance of STEM Education – A Discussion with Megan Schrauben

    On our first episode of season four, we explore the topic of STEM education with Megan Schrauben, the executive director at MiSTEM Network. Learn more about the state’s STEM strategy, funding opportunities and how STEM connects with our state’s economy. She also shares how a school can develop its STEM programming.

  25. BDS – 3/8/23

    School Finance 101 – From the State Budget to the Classroom

    March 8, 2023 – Virtual

    Recording
    Webinar PowerPoint
    How to Calculate Your State Aid Payment
    State Aid Finance Guide
    School Finance 101 Glossary
    Sample GAR
    State Funding Poster

  26. Educational Goal Overview – 2/27/23

    Educational Goal Overview

    February 27, 2023 – Virtual

    Recording
    Presentation

  27. Coffee w/ Special Education – 2/15/23

    Service Delivery Models & HLP of Collaboration

    February 15, 2023 – Virtual

    Presentation

  28. Episode 24: Examining the Impacts of the Pandemic – A Discussion with Adam Aberman and David Hartman

    On this episode, we talk with Adam Aberman from The Learning Collective and David Hartman from Venn Education. They walk us through their findings and recommendations that are now available in their report, Examining the Impacts, Changes and Innovations Schools Have Experienced During the COVID-19 Pandemic. This report follows their research, including focus groups and surveys with CMU partner schools, to investigate this important topic. We cover a diverse range of areas from accelerated learning to supporting teachers.

  29. Episode 23: Celebrating Innovation – A Discussion with Countryside Academy

    Tune in for this episode as we are joined by Countryside Academy, the winner of the Center’s third annual Innovation and Vision Award contest. We discuss what makes the school unique, focusing on its curriculum and programming that offers its students a diverse range of opportunities. We also share the schools that are the finalists for the next Innovation and Vision Award.

  30. Episode 22: Literacy – A Discussion with Dr. Meghan Block

    Tune in for this episode as we welcome Dr. Meghan Block, faculty member and co-director of The Literacy Center at Central Michigan University. Dr. Block shares her insights on a range of topics, including strategies to increase student engagement, how school leadership can support literacy efforts, and how all subject areas teach literacy.

  31. Episode 21: Strategic Communications and Engagement – A Discussion with Matt Resch

    On this episode we talk with Matt Resch from Resch Strategies about why engagement with a range of stakeholders is important to the success of charter schools. He discusses how to share you story and connect with partners serving in your community while also looking at some simple first steps in forming an outreach strategy.

  32. Carol Spanninga – Art Teacher at Island City Academy

    No one escaped the need to change and adapt during the pandemic, including the teachers and students in Michigan’s schools. Students had to adapt the way they learned, just as teachers had to adapt the way they taught.

    For some, the move to online learning was an easier transition. Some subjects lend themselves well to being taught through a computer screen.

    Carol Spanninga teaches one of the subjects that doesn’t traditionally fit as well with online learning.

    Read More »

  33. Episode 20: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – A Discussion with Dr. Shawna Patterson-Stephens

    Tune in for this episode as we are joined by Dr. Shawna Patterson-Stephens vice president and chief diversity officer at CMU’s Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She unpacks the differences between diversity, equity and inclusion as well as the importance of raising awareness in schools.

  34. Episode 19: School Board Recognition Month – A Discussion with Steve Grigorian and Leigh Chandler

    January is School Board Recognition Month and to celebrate we are talking with board directors Steve Grigorian from A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School and Leigh Chandler from Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. Steve and Leigh discuss how they use their professional management skills and experiences in their board governance roles. They also share lessons learned, points of pride and the legacy they hope to leave on their schools.

  35. Episode 18: Assessing the Pandemic’s Impact on Student Growth – A Discussion with the Center’s Research and Data Analytics Team

    Tune in for this episode as we follow up with our Research and Data Analytics team to examine student achievement and growth throughout the pandemic. They discuss assessment results and implications, how we as an authorizer are using the data, and our national contribution to educational data research.

  36. Episode 17: School Drinking Water – A Discussion with Escuela Avancemos Academy and the Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

    On this episode we hear from Holly Gohlke, the state’s School Drinking Water Coordinator. Holly shares why the quality of your school’s drinking water is so important and the resources the state has to assist with supports and testing. We also talk to Stephanie Yassine and Lily LaFevre from Escuela Avancemos Academy about the work they have done in their building and how they engaged with their students to understand the importance of water quality.

  37. Stephanie Glenn – Principal at Pembroke Academy

    If there’s one thing charter public school leaders are known for, it’s their vision and determination. Both are exemplified at Pembroke Academy, where founding principal Stephanie Glenn is working to ensure elementary and middle school students are well-prepared for college, career and life.
    Read More »

  38. Episode 16: Special Education – A Discussion with Kathy Barker

    On our first episode of season three, we talk with Kathy Barker. She is our team’s special education consultant and walks us through a diverse range of topics related to special education. We explore the continuum of services, collaboration in serving students, and the impact of the pandemic.

  39. Dr. Philip Wheeler – Board Secretary at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science

    We all know there’s more than one way to learn. That’s why charter schools exist. Because while some students thrive in a traditional model school and classroom setting, others are better served by a different approach to learning and discovery. Thankfully, that’s exactly what the West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) has to offer.
    Read More »

  40. Episode 15: Inclusive Schools – A Discussion with Jess Stone

    On this episode we hear from Jess Stone, a teacher at River Heights Academy that serves as an advocate for LGBTQ+ students and staff. They share why it is important to have inclusive and safe classrooms, including specific examples that teachers can implement to provide a supportive environment for their students. Jess also shares insights on what should be considered to ensure staff members are supported through an inclusive environment. Beyond serving as a teacher, Jess is also a member of the Distinctive Schools Michigan Regional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum Committee and shares about the work that this group of educators is doing in this crucial space.

  41. Yuliya Velhan – 2021 Graduate of A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School

    The road to valedictorian is never easy. It’s an achievement that never fails to impress. However, even amongst the accounts of the absolute best and brightest, there will always be stories that shine through. Yuliya Velhan’s story, co-valedictorian of the 2021 graduating class from A.G.B.U Alex and Marie Manoogian School in Southfield, is one of them.
    Read More »

  42. Episode 14: Celebrating Innovation – A Discussion with Renaissance Public School Academy

    Tune in for this episode as we are joined by Renaissance Public School Academy, the winners of the Center’s second annual Innovation and Vision Award contest. We discuss what makes the school unique, including the evolution of the school, project-based learning and a recent school expansion.

  43. Stephanie Yassine – Executive Director at Sanga Consulting and Alumna of The Dearborn Academy

    Today, Stephanie Yassine serves as executive director at Sanga Consulting, the educational service provider for Escuela Avancemos. But her career with charter public schools actually began much earlier, when her family chose The Dearborn Academy for her to attend as a second grader.
    Read More »

  44. Shelby Hollins – Graduate of Jalen Rose Leadership Academy

    When it comes to the success of students in the charter public schools it partners with, Central Michigan University goes the extra mile. The university provides Spirit of the Future Scholarships to charter alumni who choose to attend CMU after graduation—and Shelby Hollins, a graduate of Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, is one of its current recipients.
    Read More »

  45. Episode 13: The Pandemic’s Impact on Student Performance – A Discussion with the Center’s Research and Data Analytics Team

    In this episode, we hear from our Research and Data Analytics team on the comprehensive research they have done throughout the last school year on the impact of the pandemic on student performance. We cover many topics related to this research, including the history of our use of benchmark assessments, findings of the research done so far in the pandemic, and what the research will look at in the future when spring assessments are completed.

  46. Episode 12: Health and Safety Insights for In-Person Learning – A Discussion with Recon Management Group and Ivywood Classical Academy

    As schools continue to return to in-person learning, we explore the topics of health and safety with a partner school that has been learning in person since the fall as well as a school facility expert. Dan DiBardino from Recon Management Group shares his advice on what schools should be looking at from a health and safety perspective. The topics we discuss with Dan include ventilation, cleaning protocols and ideas for keeping students socially distanced. To conclude our episode, we hear from Ivywood Classical Academy. They share with us some of the innovative technologies and policies they utilized this year to keep their students and staff safe.

  47. Uche Uchendu – ELA Academic Specialist at Pembroke Academy

    Each year, Central Michigan University offers Charter School Educator Awards to assist charter public school educators with the cost of tuition as they pursue their graduate degrees. Uche Uchendu of Pembroke Academy is one such educator.
    Read More »

  48. George McManus III – Board President at Countryside Academy

    For Countryside Academy founder and board president George McManus III, charter schooling is an approach that’s always been grounded in simple good sense.
    Read More »

  49. Episode 11: Social-Emotional Learning – A Discussion with Distinctive Schools

    The team from Distinctive Schools joins us this month to discuss the importance of social-emotional learning. They share insights on their innovative approach, including their use of curriculum and assessments to ensure they are supporting their teachers and students in all of their schools. We also discuss what unique needs students have for social-emotional learning in the pandemic and how to navigate the return to in-person learning during this challenging time.

  50. Episode 10: Celebrating Board Service – A Discussion with Two School Board Presidents

    In this episode we celebrate School Board Recognition Month by discussing board service with board presidents from two CMU partner schools. Heather Gardner from Trillium Academy and Ehrlich Crain from Detroit Innovation Academy share insights with us on many topics ranging from their motivation to serve in this role to the impact of the pandemic on their schools.