English & Student Leadership Teacher, Rochester High School
Kelley Cusmano is proud to represent MI as the 2024-2025 Michigan Teacher of the Year. She is an English & Student Leadership Teacher at Rochester High School in Rochester, MI with 20 years of classroom teaching. She has a BA in English/History as well as a MA in Curriculum and Instruction... Read More →
Thursday November 21, 2024 8:30am - 8:40am EST
Royale Ballroom
Chat with MDE MICIP staff regarding the conference theme. Discuss your thoughts or questions about the MICIP process and platform and how they can be used to take the continuous improvement plan off the shelf and implement it in the district, the school, and the classroom.
Educational Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Steven Curry, is an Education Consultant for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in the Office of Educational Supports. His work includes cross office/unit collaboration bridging the silos between finance offices and academic planners within the context of continuous improvement... Read More →
Ben Boerkoel is the Manager of the Statewide System of Support and the MICIP Lead for Professional Learning at the Michigan Department of Education. He previously served as a classroom teacher, building and central office administrator, and ISD continuous improvement consultant.
My name is Dorothy (Dot) Blackwell, I am the MDE MICIP Lead Consultant, former Superintendent of Vassar Public Schools (2016-2023). I am an educational administrator with experience at Ingham Intermediate School District, Waverly Community Schools, Lansing Public Schools, and Carman-Ainsworth... Read More →
Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Ballroom A
Learn about best practices to enhance student buy-in and engagement in social studies classrooms by increasing the diversity of the voices in the curriculum, including through student choice and the building of community partnerships. In this session, we will explore examples of the empowering impacts of an antiracist approach to history and bust myths about misconceptions about this approach. Leave with an understanding of how to turn the textbook into a resource for inquiry and how to support student growth through honest and relevant discussion.
In an era where educational initiatives proliferate rapidly, teachers are often burdened with an overwhelming number of programs, tools, and mandates. This presentation explores the concept of de-implementation—intentionally stopping low-value practices—to streamline efforts and enhance the impact of high-value initiatives. Attendees will learn strategies for integrating de-implementation processes into a continuous improvement process, ensuring that school districts can sustain meaningful change without overburdening educators.
Supported Strand: Practice
MODERATOR: Lynn Hogan
BIO: Rebekah Hornak, MA., is an Implementation and Communication Specialist for the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute located at UNC at Chapel Hill. Her current roles include SISEP Center Director, K-12 Portfolio Lead, and Principal Investigator. Hornak’s current projects beyond the SISEP Center includes the Effective Implementation Cohort, New York Math Network, and the Minnesota Department of Education Building Capacity. Her work is focused on supporting K-12 educational agencies across the country utilize implementation science for systemic change and use of evidence-based practices. Hornak’s previously held experiences include being the executive director of instruction at a regional agency, curriculum director, principal, assistant principal, and teacher at various school districts in Michigan. While at the regional agency in Michigan, she learned to apply implementation science to create a regional coaching system for literacy.
Implementation & Communication Specialist, National Implementation Research Netwoek
Rebekah Hornak, MA., is an Implementation and Communication Specialist for the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN), the SISEP Center, and the Effective Implementation Cohort (EIC). As an Implementation Specialist for EIC, Hornak currently provides technical assistance... Read More →
In this session, participants will explore how to leverage and integrate systems to create a continuous improvement culture. Learn how one district transformed from people-driven to a process-driven continuous improvement approach. The district operationalized continuous improvement through modeling learning and building capacity that empowers staff and administrators while aligning to building and district goals. Participants will leave with tools to reflect on their current systems and processes, and ideas on how to align and integrate systems within their organization, as well as grow a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Learning Targets: Learn processes and structures for creating an integrated continuous improvement process. Identify ideas for aligning and integrating systems within their organization. Explore tools to build and operationalize a culture of continuous improvement.
This informational session will provide a high-level overview of the School Index; Michigan’s federally approved public school accountability system and provide any relevant updates on 2023-24 school year reports and data.
Most districts are implementing numerous initiatives; and most of them can name things they have implemented that have not worked out, leading to frustration and overload. So, what processes can districts put in place to proactively address this occurrence and support people when implementation issues arise? How do districts decide what to keep and what to let go? Participants will practice protocols designed to examine their own district-level initiatives and leave the session with actionable next steps.
Rich is currently serving as the Project Director for Student Supports for the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA), primarily supporting MiEWIMS (Michigan Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System), MI Kids Back on Track, and MiStrategyBank.
Thursday November 21, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Cord Room
This session will invite participants to explore the definition of curriculum, while sharing lessons learned and success stories related to creating local curriculum. By identifying key components, assets, and challenges associated with creating local curriculum, and evaluating aspects that make curriculum diverse and inclusive, participants will leverage experiences to identify shared understanding. The session will conclude with participant feedback to inform a draft curriculum guidance graphic under development by the Michigan Department of Education.
This session will explore the journey of two public school academies in MidMichigan as they implement a comprehensive reading and Social-Emotional Behavioral Health (SEBH) Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). We will discuss the teams, processes, practices, and data that drive effective decision-making. Additionally, we will connect these efforts to the district’s continuous improvement process, emphasizing how ongoing evaluation and adaptation can enhance student outcomes. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to align their own MTSS efforts with district goals.
Amy Basket is an Implementation Specialist at the MiMTSS TA Center collaborating with District Implementation Teams to build their capacity for implementing, utilizing, and sustaining an integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for behavior and reading. Before joining the... Read More →
We will explore strategies for cultivating a collaborative reflective culture with all members of the learning community that continuously focuses on improving everyday outcomes for students. We will share approaches for developing systemic reflective practices, including: - Creating courageous spaces for open dialogue - Using structured protocols for effective reflection - Acting on reflections to drive continuous improvement. Join us to learn how to foster an environment where reflective practices thrive and support sustainable improvement.
Supervisor of Leadership & Continuous Improvement, Oakland ISD
I have the honor of leading and supporting a unit of consultants within the District and School Services department which provides information, tools, and resources to support school and district leaders in designing, implementing, and evaluating federal and state programs resulting... Read More →
Chat with MDE MICIP staff regarding the conference theme. Discuss your thoughts or questions about the MICIP process and platform and how they can be used to take the continuous improvement plan off the shelf and implement it in the district, the school, and the classroom.
Ben Boerkoel is the Manager of the Statewide System of Support and the MICIP Lead for Professional Learning at the Michigan Department of Education. He previously served as a classroom teacher, building and central office administrator, and ISD continuous improvement consultant.
Educational Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Steven Curry, is an Education Consultant for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in the Office of Educational Supports. His work includes cross office/unit collaboration bridging the silos between finance offices and academic planners within the context of continuous improvement... Read More →
My name is Dorothy (Dot) Blackwell, I am the MDE MICIP Lead Consultant, former Superintendent of Vassar Public Schools (2016-2023). I am an educational administrator with experience at Ingham Intermediate School District, Waverly Community Schools, Lansing Public Schools, and Carman-Ainsworth... Read More →
A cultural shift from compliance to continuous improvement in education is essential as we prioritize professional learning opportunities that embed improvement thinking into everyday teaching practices. Implementing balanced assessment systems that provide real-time feedback, allowing educators to adjust instruction and improve student learning outcomes is imperative. Districts must foster a collaborative environment where teachers share insights and successes, leveraging evidence-driven strategies. Barriers such as poor planning and unclear outcomes can inhibit districts efforts. The MAC has created several Strategic Implementation Guides and Planning Tools that can assist districts as they reexamine their assessment systems.
As a consultant for the Michigan Assessment Consortium (MAC), Kathy Humphrey provides expertise in the use of the MICIP process to build balanced assessment systems. She also contributes to program evaluation, survey research, and project management. At Ingham Intermediate School... Read More →
Coordinator of Instructional Services, Data & Assessment, Kalamazoo RESA
Nicole currently serves as a Coordinator of Instructional Services and Community Supports, Data & Assessment at Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency. Since 2016, Nicole has provided professional learning, consulting, and instructional coaching to county districts focused... Read More →
Ellen Vorenkamp has worked in the field of education for the past 30+ years. She currently serves as the Professional Learning Director for the Michigan Assessment Consortium (MAC).In addition, she is a lead for the FAME program through MDE, a board member for the MAC and a private... Read More →
At WMAA, each department team participates in the continuous improvement process, identifying needs, making plans, and adapting programs. Multiple structures have been created to support this process, including new roles, new professional learning structures, and new ways staff time is used. This framework has become the basis for classroom instruction by defining curriculum and evaluating impact. Having just gone through a successful on-site review; we hope our journey will be helpful to other school teams.
Dean, Teaching & Student Learning, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Kent ISD
Dr. Chris Williams is the Dean of Teaching & Student Learning at the West Michigan Aviation Academy, an aviation and STEM themed public charter high school in Grand Rapids, MI where he has served for 12 years. In his professional role, Dr. Williams focuses on core content curriculum... Read More →
World Language Teacher & Department Leader, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Kent ISD
Hannah Whyard is a Spanish teacher and the World Language Department Leader at West Michigan Aviation Academy. She has been at the Academy for 8 years. Hannah is a frequent presenter at the Michigan World Language Association Annual Conference, presenting on topics such as curriculum... Read More →
Jackson Public Schools in collaboration with Jackson County ISD decided to take their identification for a partnership district to the next level. They decided this was the changing point in their system and used stakeholder voice to do so. JPS and JCISD will go through their MTSS system goals, successes, barriers and where they are headed. Hear from the group of diverse staff that is driving these decisions and systematic changes for the largest district in Jackson County.
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance teaching and learning outcomes. This session will explore how AI can support educators in creating personalized, engaging, and effective learning experiences that bring continuous improvement to life. Participants will gain hands-on experience with AI tools and discover practical applications to bring continuous improvement plans off the shelf and into the classroom.
Content and Training Manager for SchoolAI since January 2024. 16 years in public education in grades 2-12 and a tech coach for 9 years. Middle school teacher at heart.
What do your continuous improvement conversations look like? Are you focusing on the multiple components of a school-wide system? This session will look at the seven cogs to support the conversations within your leadership team to dissect key structures that together will create an effective system to diagnose and treat the symptoms that are preventing school success. (school-wide goals).
Early Literacy Grant Coordinator, Michigan Department of Education
Kellie Flaminio is the Early Literacy Grant Coordinator with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). In her current position, Kellie oversees all aspects of the Section 35 State Aid grants and has extensive knowledge on the Read by Grade Three Law. Kellie is a valued member of... Read More →
State Professional Learning Solutions Account Executive, Lexia Learning
Brandie Turner and Jamie Bouchelle from Lexia Learning support schools, districts, and states to embed the Science of Reading in classrooms and improve literacy outcomes for PreK-12 students. They have served in a variety of education roles including in general and special education... Read More →
Sr. State Success manager, Professional Learning, Lexia Learning
Jamie Bouchelle and Brandie Turner from Lexia Learning support schools, districts, and states to embed the Science of Reading in classrooms and improve literacy outcomes for PreK-12 students. They have served in a variety of education roles including in general and special education... Read More →
This session will focus on specific MDE efforts that are accessible to teachers, schools, and districts to support student belonging. Efforts shared will apply to English language arts, social studies, and incorporating student voice.
Director, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Michigan Department of Education
Rané’s 31 years in public schools includes serving as a teacher, elementary principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and a superintendent. Much of this time was serving communities of color that demonstrated great strength and brilliance while facing... Read More →
Have you ever wondered how continuous improvement teams not only drive the successful implementation of change initiatives but also promote their sustainability? This interactive session equips district/school-level teams with essential practices to move change efforts into sustainable progress. Discover how continuous improvement teams engage district/school staff through cascading communication channels and data informed decision making to ignite positive improvement results. Participants will leave with actionable steps to elevate the work of the continuous improvement team.
Director, Continuous Improvement, Wayne County RESA
Dr. Angela Jack serves as Director of Continuous Improvement at Wayne County WRESA. Dr. Jack has extensive multi-level leadership experience in education, spanning nearly 30 years. For the past decade, she has led and participated in teams specializing in continuous improvement plans... Read More →
Jennifer Snapp has been an educator for 26 plus years serving in various roles with Detroit Public Schools Community District. She was a classroom teacher for 23 years. During that time, Jennifer was a lead teacher in grades 3 ‐ 5, piloted a PLC program, and was a Site Coordinator... Read More →
This session will show the intersection between the MICIP and strategic planning, highlighting how Kentwood Public Schools successfully integrated these two approaches. Attendees will learn KPS’ approach to strategic planning, systematic implementation, and stakeholder engagement, transforming continuous improvement plans into action. This session provides practical strategies for addressing barriers, celebrating successes, and fostering a cohesive educational environment for sustained excellence.
Participants will explore how bridging silos enhances team communication about resource needs throughout the continuous improvement process. Utilizing engaging discussions and activities, presenters will emphasize necessary resources for effective strategy implementation. Participants will develop a shared understanding of key concepts (i.e., research equity) and examine how thoughtful resource management supports budgeting, grant compliance and equity. Insights for recording the team’s reflection in the MICIP platform will also be provided.
Educational Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Steven Curry, is an Education Consultant for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in the Office of Educational Supports. His work includes cross office/unit collaboration bridging the silos between finance offices and academic planners within the context of continuous improvement... Read More →
Walk with us through common program and fiscal findings for your federal on-site review. We will explore best practices and provide tools and resources that will help support your district through this required opportunity.
I am the Regional Consultant for Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, Van Buren, and Calhoun Counties. I work with LEAs on their Consolidated Application and provide technical assistance in all areas of Title programming. I work closely with the Special Populations Consultants to ensure programs... Read More →
Join us for this interactive session that will focus on the following: Review of EL Program Evaluation: Gain insights into the current tools and best practices for evaluating EL programs. Introduction to New Evaluation Tools: Discover innovative tools that streamline the evaluation of program implementation.
Section 31a, MTSS Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Suzanne Grambush is a Literacy, MTSS, and Section 31a consultant with the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Educational Supports. Her work includes supporting districts in program planning and evaluation, as well as in the implementation of the Early Warning Intervention... Read More →
Assessing needs and writing a high-quality plan is essential to continuous improvement. But unless the plan is implemented with integrity and monitored for capacity, fidelity, scale and reach, and impact, districts are not likely to realize the intended results. This session will benefit all schools and districts with making their plan come alive, with special attention given to those identified for CSI and ATS.
Ben Boerkoel is the Manager of the Statewide System of Support and the MICIP Lead for Professional Learning at the Michigan Department of Education. He previously served as a classroom teacher, building and central office administrator, and ISD continuous improvement consultant.
Manager, Office of Partnership Districts, Michigan Department of Education
Lisa Francisco is a Partnership Agreement Liaison and Manager within the Office of Partnership Districts at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). She supports partnership districts in achieving their outcome and process goals to positively impact student achievement. Francisco... Read More →
Equitable family engagement ensures that family engagement represents the diversity of the entire school community and provides a range of meaningful opportunities for involvement. This session will explore those opportunities and the value of ensuring families are a part of the continuous improvement planning process.
Family Engagement and Early Literacy Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Melissa has over 25 years in education- with field work in special education/learning disabilities, educational technology, public and private Montessori, early childhood, early elementary, school improvement teams, PBIS/MTSS, ISD coaching and service as a local education foundation... Read More →
Al Thomas is a Family Engagement and Early Literacy Education Consultant in the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). Prior to coming to MiLEAP, Al worked for ten years at MDE as an Education Consultant serving districts in Northern Michigan... Read More →
Whether you are new to the MI School Data portal, or an experienced MICIP user and data analyst, this session will share how districts and buildings can integrate structures and implement classroom practices for gathering continuous improvement data. Take a deep dive into the K-12 menu with State Assessments, Career and College Readiness, the new Special Education Dashboard and Report Builder, or CTE-Postsecondary-Workforce data sets. Find out how to harness the diversity of MI School Data to make connections to the MICIP platform. Session presenters will share a variety of resources and tools available for participants to use in data decision-making.
Casey Hadaway, MI School Data Analyst, Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI)Casey Hadaway works as a Departmental Analyst for the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) within the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Her areas of... Read More →
Kathleen Miller, a certified administrator and K-12 educator, has over 30 years of experience in education. She has worked for Shiawassee RESD for 20 years and collaborated with Clinton County RESA for ten years. While at SRESD, Ms. Miller has been an Assessment and Technology Specialist... Read More →
Rhonda Provoast serves as an educational consultant with the MI School Data project specifically related to school improvement initiatives. Her primary role involves supporting the MI School Data professional development team with the Train-the-Trainer network, regional advisory activities... Read More →
Cheryl Twichell, MI School Data Analyst, Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI)Cheryl Twichell is a Senior Departmental Analyst for the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) within the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. She currently... Read More →
In this session, we will explore the strategies available in the Strategy Bank for the literacy essentials Birth – 12 and the Organizational Practices. We will look at practical examples of implementation and you will walk away with easy to implement resources in your districts. You will look at options for data collection in coaching implementation that can be included in your MICIP plans and will assist in adapting practices to maximize results.
Erin Pell is a passionate literacy application developer with a strong foundation in education, having previously worked as a classroom teacher and literacy coach. Her deep understanding of classroom dynamics and literacy development drives her commitment to creating innovative tools... Read More →
Michelle Goaley joined BAISD in 2018 as their Instructional Services Director. Michelle previously held the roles of Director of Instructional Services for Bangor Township Schools, Elementary Principal, K-8 Literacy Coach, and has been a teacher of multiple grade levels. Michelle's... Read More →
Step up to the plate and learn how decision-support data systems and improvement cycles can transform MICIP plans into “home runs.” When implementing a new strategy or program for the first time, it’s important to “Get Started, then Get Better!” Participants will learn how to use fidelity, process, and outcome data within a comprehensive data system to make quick, incremental, and scalable implementation improvements in the field. Let’s play ball!
Supporting Strand: Practice
MODERATOR: Michelle Cutcher
BIO: Justin Leach is an Implementation and Improvement Consultant for the Statewide Field Team at Calhoun Intermediate School District. In his role, he provides professional learning and technical assistance for educational leaders at the district, county, and state levels to support implementation, continuous improvement, and refinement of systems. Justin earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Studies Education from Duquesne University. He completed a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati. Over 18 years as an educator, he has served as a high school Social Studies teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Social Studies Curriculum Manager, and K-12 Testing & Assessment Director at Cincinnati Public Schools. He also previously served as a statewide Social Studies Consultant with the Ohio Department of Education. Justin's expertise includes systems improvement, project management, assessment literacy, data analysis, and social studies education.
Tired of the same old classroom chaos every year? Achievement gaps can occur for many reasons, one significant factor being disruptions caused by certain behaviors. Classroom management is a daily challenge for any educator. By implementing effective self-control techniques and fostering a calming atmosphere in the classroom, educators can elevate their classroom culture. This will enable them to shine alongside their thriving students and create abundant opportunities for success!
