2024 MASA Fall Conference

Balancing the Pressure: Cultivating Resilience and Well-being in Students delves into the unique pressures faced by students today, such as academic and cultural expectations, language barriers, social media, mental health stigma and more. Through interactive exercises, participants will gain insight into these challenges and their impact on student behavior and school climate. The session will offer innovative strategies to alleviate stress, improve academic performance, and enhance student engagement, equipping educators with tools to support the well-being and success of students and staff. Learn how Plainwell Community Schools has partnered with Clayful and the impact coaching has made in the district. Takeaways: 1. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the specific pressures that students face today. This knowledge will help educators and administrators to better empathize with and support these students in innovative ways. 2. The session will equip attendees with practical and actionable strategies and techniques to help reduce the stress and pressure experienced by students. 3. Attendees will gain insights into how Plainwell Community Schools leverages technology with Clayful in order to support mental health, improve academic performance, attendance rates, and student engagement.

In this session, we'll debunk the myth of traditional media for school enrollment. We'll show you how targeted social media strategies can generate qualified leads and skyrocket your enrollment numbers. Learn from real-world examples, including a district that saw a 20% increase! Takeaways: 1. Targeted Content, Not TV Ads: Social media lets you reach ideal families with engaging content, unlike impersonal billboards. 2. Lead Capture, Not Just Website Traffic: Capture valuable contact information through lead generation forms, not just website clicks. 3. Showcase Your Story, Not Sell a Product: Tell your school's unique story through compelling videos and social media posts, not generic commercials.

Imagine creating an AI bot that can streamline a key aspect of your life, saving you countless hours while demonstrating the transformative potential of AI in education. That's BotSprint! Why Attend? By the end of this session, you'll have built and published your very own AI bot to the GPT store, the equivalent of the Apple App Store for AI creations. This isn't just about creating a tool; it's about experiencing firsthand how AI can revolutionize your district and lead the future of education, and understand what students are achieving with AI. What's in Store? 1. Team Formation: Right from the start, you'll join forces with another leader or two! 2. Strategy Session: You’ll learn the types of Bots you could build, then unleash your creativity with your teammates to build your very own bot! 3. Creation and Iteration: Bring your bot to life, drawing on feedback from peers and mentors to refine your design. 4. Publish + Showcase: Publish your bot to the GPT store! You’ll be a published creator by the end of the sprint. Examples of Bots Built by Superintendents: 1. Mock Interviewer Bot: Helps students practice and improve their interviewing skills. 2. Student Engagement Bot: Analyzes student surveys to tailor CTE programs to their needs. 3. Personalized Workout Generator: Offers workout routines inspired by Dwayne Johnson. 4. Career Guidance Bot: Assists students in identifying CTE pathways that align with their interests. The AI Transformation: AI is already making waves in education, transforming teaching, leadership, and learning both inside and outside the classroom. This session will equip you with the skills to harness AI's potential, leading the charge in innovative programming.

Have you ever thought, “There is not enough time in the day to provide students all of the educational support they need to be successful?” EQPD tutoring uses highly trained tutors to support students where they are and scaffold content to grow students to expected levels. Tutoring is virtual and can take place anytime, anywhere. Students receive one-on-one support that often can not be provided during the school day. Throughout one-on-one sessions, tutors engage in relationship building with students to support them and be a partner that can make a positive difference in a student’s academic journey. Walk away from this session learning more about supporting students outside of the school day. Takeaways: 1. Benefits of implementing an after school, at home tutoring program. 2. Strategies to ensure successful program outcomes for an after school, at home tutoring program. 3. Resources for families to support their children in literacy and/or math.

Are you eager to deepen your understanding of advocacy and gain an insider's perspective on the legislative process from an elected official? Join us for a session with State Representative Matt Koleszar, where he will share best practices for engaging with the legislature, navigating policy, and offering candid advice on effective advocacy for your school district. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and walk away with a clear blueprint for enhancing their school community's advocacy efforts at the Capitol.

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.

PreK for All means giving all Michigan 4-year-olds access to quality PreK programs! Hear about the exciting progress Michigan has made since the Governor launched PreK for All in 2023 and the steps Michigan is currently taking to reach this goal for children and families around the state. Participants will have the opportunity to break-out into regional small groups and discuss what PreK for All looks like in their community, the opportunities and challenges that delivering a statewide PreK mixed-delivery system entails, and strategies to support the needs of schools, educators, children, and families. Takeaways: 1. Have a comprehensive understanding of the progress the state of Michigan has made in implementing PreK for All. 2. Understand current PreK for All implementation strategies being used in school systems within their region of the state. 3. Leave with at least one new strategy to implement a successful PreK for All program in their community.

Section 27k presents a great opportunity for Michigan school districts. This distinctive legislation directs state funds straight to employees, assisting them with student loan payments. It effectively increases the money employees receive. In this session, we will discuss the requirements for both districts and employees to ensure the maximum benefit and compliance. Additionally, we will hear from a superintendent who has successfully helped his employees make the most of Section 27k. Takeaways: 1. Best practices and procedures to ensure compliance and maximize funding. 2. A comprehensive understanding of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and its integration with Section 27k. 3. Confidence and knowledge on applying today's insights about Section 27k to support employee financial well-being within the district.

This session will highlight how the Superintendent and his team have fostered schools and district culture with an emphasis on the importance of collaboration, communication and the implementation of professional learning communities (PLC) under MICIP and the District Strategic Plan. The establishment of this culture has been essential with the successful implementation of a high level of student growth and high graduation rates. The team will walk you through a roadmap from visioning to implementation and monitoring of the process beyond plan compliance. Dearborn District, the third largest district in the state serves approximately 20,000 students including 50% EL and 75% ED. The district has received several independent awards including 5 blue ribbon schools in the past five years. Takeaways: 1. Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to facilitate the continuous improvement process for building teams. Starting from creating a mind shift, developing the process, and building the individual schools' plans in each of our 39 schools. 2. Participants will learn about providing adequate support including professional development with the focus on the four questions and weekly early dismissal to collaborate on student learning. 3. Participants will have access to templates and forms used as the Dearborn MICIP team facilitate this work in the district.

In this session, participants will develop a better understanding of the State financial aid programs, learn about student data available in the MiSSG High School Counselor Portal, and other interactive MI Student Aid resources available to assist high school counselors and support staff with inspiring and motivating students towards their post-secondary path. Superintendents and administrators who attend this session will acquire practical strategies for integrating MI Student Aid services into their schools and how they can help support their high school counselors in implementing these services into their work with students. Additionally, this workshop will foster collaboration among participants, facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources to help create a college going culture within their school districts. Takeaways: 1. Superintendents and administrators will understand how their high schools can access valuable student level data available in the MiSSG High School Counselor Portal. 2. Superintendents and administrators will understand the various resources and support available through MI Student Aid to assist high school counselors in post-secondary efforts/planning at their school. 3. Superintendents and administrators will have a better understanding of state financial aid programs and how they can empower their high school counselors to engage with services provided by MI Student Aid through continuous partnership.

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.

The election is over. With your new board members sworn in and at the table, what’s next? Please join former board members and current school board association professionals from the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) as they discuss the next steps for you and the rest of your governance team. Topics of discussion will include the onboarding of your new board members, team building exercises, and board self-assessment, just to name a few. Bring your questions and be ready for a lively discussion directed at maintaining what’s best for the students and staff in your district, a focus on good board governance. Takeaways: 1. Importance of onboarding new board members. 2. Understanding of Board Self-Assessment Process. 3. Understanding of Governance Roles.

Is your district's curriculum, culture, and pedagogy truly aligned with its overarching vision? Are you adhering to conventional norms, or are you pioneering new approaches to optimize education for your students and their future? This insightful session will explore the experiences of a school district that courageously assessed its educational programs during the pre-bond phase of its bond project. Learn how bond opportunities can be utilized not merely for infrastructural enhancements but also to reimagine and reform educational delivery within your district. Takeaways: 1. Learn about the significance of educational alignment with the district’s vision and the importance of curriculum, culture and pedagogy, This is not your typical educational planning. 2. Understand how to utilize bond processes beyond physical upgrades to drive educational innovation and transformation. 3. Gain insights into techniques for leading courageous changes in educational programming and facility design.

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.

Participants in this session will learn about the importance of staying informed of local dynamics, importance of understanding financial impacts, following election trends, see how bond election success rates are changing over time, discuss various strategies to overcome traditional and non-traditional barriers to bond election success and finally hear from experts on how bond elections and bond campaigns are changing. Takeaways: 1. Hear how voting trends are indicating that bond elections and bond campaigns are changing. 2. Thinking about a bond election, learn how districts and advocacy campaigns create innovative ways to engaging voters. 3. Hear about the importance of financial planning and how that messaging can effectively communicate to the community.

As school leaders begin the upcoming academic year, it is essential to understand the legal landscape ahead. Join us for an overview of key legal considerations that school administrators must address to ensure compliance, safety, and a supportive learning environment for all. Focus on key topics like recent Title IX rule changes and implementing policies to ensure compliance with investigation and reporting procedures; election year First Amendment rights and balancing free speech with maintaining a respectful school environment; and, reviewing contractual agreements and legal considerations for contract renewals. Takeaways: Gain a thorough understanding of the recent updates to Title IX regulations and learn how to implement effective policies. 2. Gain knowledge to balance the First Amendment rights of Students and staff with maintaining a respectful and orderly school environment. 3. Develop the skills to manage contracts, including third party staffing, and navigate legal considerations for contract renewals.

Across the state of Michigan, school districts are developing innovative ways to support the physical and mental health of children and young adults in their communities. These initiatives provide greater access to healthcare, improve academic performance and provide lifetime benefits for health and wellness. This panel will highlight best-practices for engaging with the community, convening potential health system partners and creating facility and staffing models to bring the centers to fruition as well as the impacts the clinics are having on students. This session will feature Superintendents from three districts: Ludington Area School District, Grand Ledge Public Schools and Mason County Central Schools sharing how they successfully partnered with local healthcare systems to implement school-based tela-health mental health services and in-person mental and physical health services. Community health partners from Corewell Health and University of Michigan Health-Sparrow have been asked to participate to provide a perspective from the Healthcare systems. Takeaways: 1. Participants will learn about three unique mental and physical health clinics in three different school districts. 2. Panelists will share how the partnership with local healthcare systems came together and how the partnership continues to operate the clinics. 3. Superintendents will share specific student outcomes from implementation of their clinics.

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.

Join us for a compelling panel discussion focused on transforming education in your schools. This session offers a deep dive into the synergistic development of a Portrait of a Graduate alongside a strategic plan, demonstrating how such foresight can seamlessly integrate educational objectives with community values to significantly enhance student success. During this interactive panel, you will learn from experienced school leaders who have pioneered these initiatives in their own schools, providing you with a clear blueprint for action. The session is structured to give you comprehensive insights into three critical areas of transformational leadership: Planning for Impact, Engagement & Transition Strategies, and Sustaining Success.

As educators transition to updated teacher evaluation requirements we have an opportunity to learn about and transition to using educational technology tools, including AI, to be more efficient and effective throughout the evaluation process. Learn about free resources and free professional learning opportunities created for and available to all Michigan district and school leaders to guide learning about and practice in the use of such tools for observation and evaluation purposes. Takeaways: 1. Comparison information on the previous and current teacher evaluation requirements. 2. Understanding on how observations and evaluations can be made more efficient with the use of educational technology tools, including but not limited to the use of AI. 3. Access to free resources, including one to help in the development or improvement of the evaluation process and another to help in the facilitation of professional learning around Michigan’s teacher evaluation process using educational technology.

Benton Harbor Area Schools (BHAS) is a large, urban school district working to unify its community under a shared vision for a brighter future. In recent years, BHAS has faced declining enrollment and economic challenges. In collaboration with design partner C2AE, BHAS is creating a facilities master plan to guide the district’s next bond, which will focus on modernizing existing buildings. But before the vote, BHAS needs to inspire the community and restore district pride. Together, representatives from BHAS and C2AE will walk through their rebranding and rebuilding efforts in Benton Harbor, explaining how to get started with a facilities master plan, convincing the community of why the work is important, and when to use a master plan to initiate a bond campaign. Takeaways: 1. Attendees will learn how to inspire community engagement and support for their district. 2. Attendees will understand how one school district is focused on modernizing existing spaces to embrace the future without losing its legacy. 3. Attendees will learn why, how, and when economically marginalized communities should consider rebranding and rebuilding through a facility master plan.

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.