MASSP is dedicated to keeping our members informed as the situation with COVID-19 develops. Each weekday during the school shut down you can count on an email from us. We will compile and summarize the latest updates and provide the latest resources to help you navigate the challenges that may arise in the coming weeks. If you have resources or information you think should be included in an upcoming update or on the MASSP COVID-19 resource center, please send them to Alicia Pilmore for consideration. What You Can Expect from MASSP As your Association, we want you to know you can count on us to be your resource and support in good times and in bad. We are all in this together and we are committed to making your life less stressful during this time of uncertainty. To this end we will be providing the following opportunities and supports:
MDE Memos for EMC, CLCC and CTE Programs The Governor has ordered the closure of all schools in the state as of Monday, March 16, 2020. MDE has issued three memos clarifying that this closure includes Early Middle Colleges (EMC), 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC), and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs run by ISDs or based in local education agencies. These programs will also have the same re-opening date as schools: Monday, April 6, 2020. Dual enrollment courses held on college campuses are at the discretion of the ISD, local school district and postsecondary provider. Click the link below for more details. Legislature To Return Tomorrow to Work on COVID 19 Response While we all have many questions and few answers right now regarding what schools can expect in response to this ongoing situation, we can tell you that the Michigan Legislature is returning to session tomorrow to take action on supplemental budgets and other laws that may be needed to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the things we expect discussion and possible action on tomorrow is the question of days/hours forgiveness related to the mandatory school closure. We do not yet have details on what this solution will look like, but we will share what we learn with members as soon as possible. As to other unresolved issues – like assessment – we're told that legislative session will continue on an as-needed basis during the upcoming weeks so we expect further action at some point to address these outstanding concerns. MDE Apprentice and Internship Guidance If you have student teachers in your building, they may be concerned about how they will be able to complete required internship hours. MDE issued this memo to the Deans of the Teacher Prep Programs outlining new flexibility approved by Dr. Rice, the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Please share this information with your interns and supervising teachers. Leader2Leader Webinar Knowing there are more questions than answers as we strategically respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, MASSP is hosting a Leader2Leader webinar from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. During this webinar, we will provide a status report on the Extended School Closings from a state perspective and discuss commonly asked questions – both those for which we have answers and those where we are awaiting further guidance. We will also provide opportunities for participants to share local/regional plans and strategies. In addition, we will solicit additional questions and concerns that participants have to add to our FAQ. MASSP Social Media & Other Recommended Sources If you want continuous updates on things happening that are school related, be sure to follow Twitter or to follow the association's Facebook page. On Facebook, the Keep Michigan Learning page is allowing educators statewide to post their favorite learning resources for students in all grades. Other Resources |