More than 600 educators gathered at the Lansing Center to participate in the 2017 Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Fall School Improvement Conference. 

We received very positive feedback from the survey results regarding the conference breakout sessions and keynote speakers. Here’s what conference participants had to say: 

• “The breakout sessions and the keynote speaker's messages were aligned. Speakers and presenters were very inspiring and provided specifics on how to close achievement gaps.” 
  
• “The session on Poverty and the Brain, specifically the instructional practices, was a huge success. The presenters gave actionable activities that I can bring back to my staff for the purpose of improving teaching and learning for all students including those in poverty.”
• “I enjoyed the open discussions with other schools and finding we are all on the same boat and working on ways to help each other. Great collaboration time with people we don't normally collaborate with.” 

Please save the date for next year’s MDE Fall School Improvement Conference at the Lansing Center on November 19-20, 2018.

Nearly 400 educators from across Michigan attended the AdvancED Michigan Fall Conference, themed Join the Journey, in Novi. Michigan Department of Education Chief Deputy Superintendent, Sheila Alles, delivered the keynote and facilitated the Teacher Panel discussion. 

Other highlights included an address from State Superintendent Brian Whiston at the awards ceremony.  Dr. Janet Haas received the Excellence in Education Award for her outstanding contributions and leadership to continuous improvement practices that make an impact on Michigan students. Awards were presented to one Michigan school for 50 years of accreditation. Various schools, school systems, Independent School Districts (ISDs), corporations, charter authorizers and Education Service Agencies (ESAs) received recognition for achieving accreditation. 

Be sure to Save the Date for the 2018 AdvancED Michigan Fall Conference to be held October 11-12, 2018 at the Suburban Showplace in Novi.

The 2018 School Improvement Reporting Tasks assigned in ASSIST™ will be available in January 2018. Lead administrators and head of institutions will be receiving a memorandum from MDE outlining the reporting requirements for schools and systems.

The MDE School Improvement Support Unit provides technical assistance and support for ASSIST users. For detailed instructions on submitting reports, please see the Resources section of the AdvancED/MDE website. Note that there are tabs for Schools, Districts, Quick Guides along with additional information. Please contact our office if you need further assistance.