2024 MASA Fall Conference

Creating the right learning environment through a carefully designed furniture program is essential for any school district or classroom. Beyond merely replacing old fixtures and outdated technology, the right furnishings can foster innovative teaching methods, support diverse learning styles, and act as a catalyst for educational change. Lake Orion Community Schools embarked on a comprehensive pilot program focused on integrating furniture and technology that let educators take the lead in deciding what their classrooms needed to support their daily activities. Over the span of a year, the district and design team crafted a pilot program that involved detailed planning and ideation to training and outcome measurement. This initiative not only modernized classroom spaces, but also improved adoption of the furniture changes by educators and students alike. Takeaways: 1. Learn the defined steps your district should take to help stakeholders understand a pilot program to achieve the best results. 2. Understand how the process complemented teaching techniques and classroom design with involvement of the educators. 3. Hear more about Lake Orion’s program outcomes, including improved student engagement and endorsement from educators.

In 2016, Comstock Public Schools achieved a milestone by passing their first successful bond campaign in 25 years. This accomplishment marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the district, which had been grappling with significant funding and resource challenges. However, Comstock’s leadership was not content with simply repairing and upgrading facilities. Instead, they chose to reimagine and realign their school buildings to better serve the unique needs of today’s students. Comstock took a bold step and switched their middle and elementary school buildings, intentionally creating age-appropriate learning environments that foster better teaching and learning experiences. By designing spaces that truly cater to the developmental needs of different age groups, Comstock has significantly enhanced student learning, improved building functionality, and bolstered the district’s reputation. This process is not just about immediate improvements, but also marks a path forward for future achievements. Through this transformation, the district has positioned themselves for continued success, both in passing future bond campaigns and in retaining and attracting students. Takeaways: 1. Uncover the complexities of switching teaching and learning spaces from middle school to elementary school learners, and vice versa. 2. Understand how to leverage limited resources to address both student and building needs. 3. Learn how the district is applying their successful bond process to future projects within a reluctant community.

This session will present the outcomes of a comprehensive research study on the implementation and perception of AI in Michigan schools. Featuring educators and administrators who have actively integrated AI into their districts, the panel will discuss their journey, share insights from the research, and explore the implications for Michigan schools. Key topics will include the current state of AI use, trust levels, primary concerns, and the support needed for successful AI integration. Panelists will provide firsthand accounts of their experiences, highlighting specific challenges and successes and offering practical strategies for addressing concerns and building trust in AI among educators. The session will emphasize the importance of increasing AI awareness, enhancing professional development, and developing clear policies and guidelines. It will also explore the role of community and stakeholder engagement in successful AI integration. By attending, superintendents and educational leaders will gain valuable insights into the current landscape of AI in education, understand the challenges and opportunities it presents, and be equipped with strategies to support their districts in embracing AI responsibly and effectively. This session will include time for Q&A, allowing superintendents to engage with the panelists and discuss the practical implications of Generative AI in their own districts. Takeaways: 1.Gain an understanding of the current state of AI use in Michigan schools based on recent research findings. 2. Learn about the challenges and successes experienced by educators and administrators in implementing AI. 3. Discuss strategies for addressing concerns and increasing trust in AI among educators. 4. Explore the future potential and priorities for AI integration in education.

Paraprofessionals are often the forgotten educators that are working with the lowest performing/highest needs students. The ParaCorps program builds a community of ParaCorps educators who are equipped with foundational literacy and math teaching skills, knowledge, and strategies to effectively support students. ParaCorps educators will receive extensive training, coaching support, feedback to improve their practices, and the knowledge to grow students in the area of reading and math. Walk away from this session knowing how to support your paraprofessionals to make an impact on student growth. Takeaways: Three best practice skills that administrators and superintendents can spot during a lesson that can make an impact on students’ foundational literacy skills.
Three ways administrators and superintendents can support their paraprofessionals in their buildings and districts.
Ways the ParaCorps program can support paraprofessionals in their school or district.

Equitable family engagement has emerged as a primary predictor for student academic success. Studies of family engagement in education reveal large associations between family engagement and success for students. Child outcomes improve considerably when schools and families collaborate on individual children’s needs, goals, programs, and progress. Promoting family engagement through effective home to school collaborations supports the continuity of learning and outcomes for children and families. This session will provide relevant equitable family engagement practices that will help schools and agencies support families. Takeaways: Attendees will learn evidence based equitable family engagement practices that can be used prenatal through postsecondary to improve outcomes for students and their families. Attendees will be introduced to the new MiFamily Engagement Center work currently being done to support schools and agencies around the state. Finally, attendees will gain access to the early literacy administrative briefs that can be used to guide family engagement literacy efforts.

Northview Public Schools has been at the forefront of creating innovative programming to meet alternative education students where they are through the Northview Next Career Center, where students receive onsite career training, and the Northview Next Learning Center. The objective of the Northview Next Career Center and Learning Center is to help all students between the ages of 15-22 acquire an NVPS diploma, regardless of their circumstances. Learn more about how Northview is leveraging a model based on flexibility, accountability, and robust human support to help alternative education students succeed. Takeaways: 1. Participants will learn the why behind creating a learning center and a career center to serve students. 2. Participants will understand the components to equitable alternatives that aid in removing barriers for students. 3. Participants will gain knowledge on support services that are key in aiding a student’s academic success.

Come see how Allen Park Public Schools and Wayne County RESA ISD teamed up to provide high-quality PD for Tier 1 literacy materials and instruction across the county. This partnership aims to bring the best in literacy education, ensuring every student receives the support they need. Discover the integration of instructional materials for the reading block, including skill building through the UFLI program and foundational knowledge. We combined UFLI with other Tier 1 resources to focus on the Michigan Literacy Essentials, giving teachers the tools to teach effectively and impact student outcomes. Initially started in one district, this partnership now helps other districts enhance literacy implementation. It offers professional learning and ongoing coaching to improve delivery and instruction, ensuring educators are well-prepared. By scaling this model, we improve literacy education countywide. Move beyond the reading wars and achieve the comprehensive literacy goals for your district! Takeaways: 1. Designing a literacy program that is scalable. 2. Partnering with an ISD or district to maximize resources. 3. Supporting staff with ongoing coaching and development.