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State Superintendent Proposes Major Testing Changes

Under a plan presented by the State Superintendent last week, Michigan would abandon the 2-year-old M-STEP assessment in most grades. Instead, Michigan would use a new state test that mandates testing in the fall and spring, with an optional winter test. The current assessment is taken only in the spring.

While it is unclear whether any existing test fits the State Superintendent’s plan, an August request for information from testing companies should help inform any future decision by the State Board of Education.

The plan faced concern from some members of the State Board of Education because of the significant disruption that another test change would cause for student and teachers. The plan also faces opposition from several groups, including The Education Trust-Midwest.

Last week, EdTrust-Midwest sent a letter to the State Superintendent and State Board of Education opposing another test change. Click here to add your voice.

West Michigan School Honored for Improving Student Achievement

Wyoming Public School’s Gladiola Elementary has been selected as a semi-finalist to represent Michigan as a Title I Distinguished School. The project recognizes two schools from each state for their outstanding achievements in education. To be eligible, at least 35 percent of the school’s students must be from low-income families, and demonstrate exceptional student performance.

Gladiola Elementary School’s staff is being recognized for their tremendous efforts impacting student achievement, particularly for excellence serving English learners.

Over the past two years, EdTrust-Midwest’s practice team, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, has partnered with teachers and administrators at Gladiola Elementary School to improve the quality of teaching and learning. We commend the talented educators at Gladiola Elementary for recent success in improving outcomes for English learners and look forward to building on this success for all students.

Noteworthy News

Capital Update

Senate Education Committee. Today, October 18 at noon. Room 110, Farnum Building, Lansing. Agenda: Senate Bill 1046 (Colbeck – R) regarding student transportation and Senate Resolution 214 (Pavlov – R) regarding certain provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Senate K12, School Aid and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. Wednesday, October 19 at 8:30 am. Rooms 402 and 403 of the Capitol Building. Agenda: Update from Michigan Department of Education on Great Start Readiness Program Formula/Funding Redesign Workgroup Meetings, Findings, and Potential Recommendations.

Tweet of the Week

[@EdTrustWest: “Equity must be at the center of an education reform agenda – as an action, not a word” @RyanSmithEd in @EducationNext <Link: http://educationnext.org/new-priorities-for-equity-in-reform-smith-forum-education-reforms-race-debate/>]