Memos & Information

Important bits and pieces. Cut and paste the e-mail address below into your browser to easily link to the following documents/information:
MDE Discipline Procedures Manual

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Discipline_Procedures_Manual_301369_7.pdf 

Important Dates and Updates

CIMS

CIMS-2 Events -
!!!!! The new CIMS-2 workbook opened on December 15, 2009. As of January 32, 2010, there are 35 PSAs that have not yet acknowledged their CIM-2 workbook. It is important that this activity be completed immediately. For a refresher on how to acknowledge your school’s workbook click on the link below.

How To: View and Acknowledge Reports Task * This information is from the www.cenmi.org/cims events webpage. Other important CIMS-2 information is available at this link.


MI-ACCESS SPRING 2010 WEBCAST
Thursday, February 4, 2010
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The MI-Access Webcast is designed to provide District and School MI-Access Coordinators with the information needed to help the Spring 2010 MI-Access assessment administration process go smoothly.

Webcast Content - Tentative Agenda
A. Welcome and Introduction
B. The MI-Access “Top 10”
C. Participation and Supported Independence
D. Functional Independence
E. Do Not Read Aloud Items
F. Assessment Accommodations
G. OEAA Secure Site Processes
To submit questions during the Webcast; Fax: 1-734-334-1857; Email: answers@resa.net

MI-Access Webcast Connection Information
- Video streaming: http://www.MIstreamnet.com
- Click on “Live Video Steam” link, or view the “Video On Demand” any time after the Webcast.
- For technical assistance, go the left-had side of the MIstreamnet home page and click on “Tech Support” or call the REMC MIstreamnet Toll Free Help Line number: 1-888-570-6212

Please do NOT call the Michigan Department of Education or the MI-Access Toll-free Hotline.

 

Learning and the Brain – 24th Annual Conference for Teachers, Administrators & Clinicians
February 18-20, 2010 San Francisco, California May 6-8, 2010 Washington, D.C.
Cognitive neuroscience is finding that today's fast-paced, stressful, multi-tasking, media-driven, internet-isolating life is altering the way young minds develop, function, remember and process information. This conference will explore how these changes affect learning, memory and may contribute to learning problems. Discover ways to improve student memory, learning and achievement in today's distracted, digital society. For more information, go to: http://learningandthebrain.com/

Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders
March 25 & 26, 2010
Mar. 25: Aspie 101 for the Special Education World: Workshop Presenter - Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D.

Mar. 26: Building Social Relationships with Individuals with ASD - Workshop Presenter: Scott Bellini, Ph.D.
Location: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

- For professional development opportunities for PSAs, go here: http://visionforanewway.org/pages/pd.cfm
- For additional professional development opportunities, go here: http://www.cenmi.org/Events.aspx 

                     
Resources 

                         The Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) is a web-based resource for families, schools and communities that promotes inclusive educational practices. This resource has grown out of Inclusive Schools Week™, an internationally-recognized annual event sponsored by Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC). ISN’s mission is “to encourage, embolden and empower people to design and implement effective inclusive schools, by sharing insights and best practices and by providing opportunities for connection.” ISN provides year-round opportunities for families and educators around the world to network and build their knowledge of inclusive education.
ISN Resources and the "Tip of the Month" are designed to highlight practical strategies and advice that teachers, school administrators, students, and family members can use to create more inclusive homes, schools, and communities. These resources include a variety of topic areas including:
- Inclusive Education: General Information, Articles & School Profiles
- Differentiated Instruction & Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Student Supports: Behavior, Organization & Time Management
- Technology in Schools
- Transition
- Family Involvement & Advocacy
- Student Empowerment & Self-Determination
- Diversity & School Culture
- School Leadership & Professional Practice
- Inclusive Education Around the World
Sign up for the free monthly ISN Newsletter by visiting www.inclusiveschools.org.

Grant Pick

K-12 School Improvement Projects Funded Organization: Lowe's Charitable and Educational

Foundation: Toolbox for Education Grant Program
http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/
Eligibility: K-12 public schools and parent teacher groups associated with public schools
Value: up to $5,000

The Toolbox for Education Grant Program, offered by Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, provides grants of up to $5,000 to K-12 public schools and 501(c)(3) parent-teacher groups associated with public schools that develop projects that encourage parent involvement and build stronger community spirit. Lowe's will donate a total of $5 million to more than 1,000 different schools throughout the U.S. during the 2009-2010 school year. Preference is given to funding requests which have a permanent impact such as facility enhancement or landscaping/clean-up projects. In addition, for this school year basic needs requests will take priority in order to provide the tools that help educators and parent groups through these challenging times. The upcoming application deadline is February 12, 2010. Visit the website listed above to take the eligibility test and submit an online application.