November / December 2015 eNEWS

Purpose of Annual State Tests
Have you heard there is a correct tool for every job? There is a corresponding tenet in the assessment world. It is important to understand and honor the primary purpose of a given assessment and not assign multiple purposes to the assessment for which it was not designed. Principles of effective practice exist, understanding the purpose of the different types of assessments that contribute to a total assessment system is important. Read more…

MAC Reads 2016
All across the state of Michigan educators will join in reading, Formative Classroom Walkthroughs by Susan Brookhart, and meet for a real-time webinar with the author on March 7, 2016. There are three ways to participate:
1) Co-host a study group with MAC –to learn more contact kdwhite@michiganassessmentconsortium.org
2) Join a virtual study group
3) Register for the webinar only

SAT Resources
In Michigan a college entrance exam is given to every 11th grade public education student. Many Michigan education organizations have developed and assembled resources to support the administration of the SAT and PSAT. The General Education Leadership Network (GELN) of MAISA is your go-to spot to see educational supports available and review resources. An additional resource many educators are pleased to have is Khan Academy, featuring interactive problems and personalized practice recommendations. Explore the Toolkit to learn more!

Every Child Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind Act, signed into law 14 years ago. The 1,100 page document will be reviewed and dissected in the coming months. A quick review suggests some new flexibility for states related to accountability and testing. The MAC promotes the notion that education accountability systems should and can include assessments designed to promote learning. Read more...

Calling All Arts Educators!

MAC will sponsor a work session Friday, February 12, 2016 to draft SLO’s. WWe want to create authentic SLO models and need teacher volunteers to help. e are looking for interested arts teachers to work with. Teachers field testing MAEIA Performance Assessments MAEIA Field Testing are especially good candidates. Contact Jason O’Donnell at: jodonnell@michiganascd.org

PA 173 of 2015 signed by the Governor on 11.5.2015 addresses how performance evaluation systems will work for educators in the state of Michigan. PA 173 Sec. 1249(2) addresses requirements related to documenting student growth. One technique being promoted nationally and supported in Michigan is Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) - measureable, long-term, academic goals, informed by data that a teacher sets at the beginning of the year for all students. Learn more here.

Limited seats are available; no registration fee. Substitute costs & lunch are provided.
February 12, 2016
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
1001 Centennial Way Lansing.

Upcoming Events

Student Involvement in the Feedback Process

February 2, 2016
Featuring Susan Brookhart
Click here to learn more and to register

Designing and Developing A Balanced Comprehensive Assessment Program at the District and School Levels

February 3-4 2016
with Edward Roeber and Kimberly Young
Click here to learn more and to register

Michigan School Testing Conference

February 16-18, 2016
Featuring national and state expertise on many varied topics
Click here to learn more and to register