In support of Michigan’s plan to become a Top 10 in 10 years, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is redesigning the way we support districts in the delivery of a high-quality, whole-child focused education. The result is the Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process (MICIP).

MICIP is a whole-child, district-wide needs assessment, that leads to an integrated continuous improvement process. This process will help Michigan districts think comprehensively about the entire range of student needs based on the whole-child model.

The purpose of this update is to provide a high-level overview of this approach. More details will follow in the coming months regarding communications and trainings.

The MDE will be replacing ASSIST^™, the platform currently used to complete and collect school and district improvement plans, with the MICIP platform. This platform is a collaboration between MDE, the Center for Educational Performance and Information, and the Michigan Collaborative Hub. Note that MICIP is not simply an update of the former school/district improvement process and platform. Rather, it is a redesigned approach to help districts and schools think more comprehensively and strategically about continuous improvement. MICIP is a larger endeavor that will incorporate many of the activities formerly covered by school/district improvement and ASSIST.

The MDE is approaching the transition to MICIP in two cycles: 1) professional learning to encourage shifts in mindset and processes, and 2) implementation of the platform.

School Year 2019-2020: Transition Cycle 1

Beginning Fall 2019, training on MICIP mindset and processes will be made available to ISDs, local districts, and schools. More information and a detailed training schedule will follow in future editions of Thursday Communications and the MDE website. The MDE is working with several partners to develop the professional learning materials and delivery mechanisms for ISDs/ESAs, districts, and schools.

Districts and schools will continue to use the ASSIST platform to submit all plans and other required materials during 2019-2020 for the 2020-2021 school year. Timelines and deadlines remain consistent with previous years; look for more detailed communication from the Office of Educational Supports over the coming months. Districts and schools are encouraged to consider incorporating mindset and process shifts into their planning process during the 2019-2020 school year even though the platform remains the same.

School Year 2020-2022: Transition Cycle 2

Beginning Fall 2020, the MICIP platform will be implemented, replacing the ASSIST platform, as MDE's technical solution. Training on the MICIP platform will be available following its official launch at the Fall Continuous Improvement Conference (formerly known as the School Improvement Conference) in October 2020. Schools and districts will use the MICIP mindset and processes through the MICIP platform to assess needs, create plans, and identify funding sources in their planning for the 2021-2022 school year.

Districts and schools should finish the 2018-2019 school year as planned, submitting all required plans and applications as instructed.

We ask for patience and understanding during this transition period. For questions, contact MDE or Theresa Nugent (MICIP Lead) with questions.

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 found on the AdvancED/MDE website. Note that there are tabs for Schools, Districts, and Quick Guides, along with additional information. Please contact our office if you need further assistance.