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. Legislature Takes No Action on Days and Hours Waiver Last night, despite bipartisan support, the Michigan legislature voted on a COVID-19 budget supplemental without taking action to forgive the days and hours of instruction lost to the current mandatory school closure. This failure to act leaves schools and school employees uncertain about issues like paying hourly employees and making up missed days this summer. The House and Senate both adjourned until March 25, so this uncertainty will unfortunately last at least that long. MASA, MASB, MEA, and AFT Michigan issued a joint statement voicing concern and frustration with this lack of action. MASSP is asking members to contact your legislators and tell them to take action as soon as possible. Schools are pulling together to provide support for our students and communities. We need the legislature to support schools. Michigan’s Education Leaders Call for National Waiver of State Assessments As school closures continue across the country, with some states closing schools for the rest of the year, pressure is mounting for the U.S. Department of Education to provide a national waiver of state assessments. On Tuesday, The Michigan State Board of Education President, Dr. Cassandra Ulbrich and State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice wrote a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos urging that federally mandated testing be waived in favor of focusing on the immediate needs of children.
Map Available to Find Meals for Children During School Closure The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has created an online map for families to find locations where meals are being distributed during school closures. The list will be updated twice a day during the closure. Meals may be served to all children from ages 0-18 and includes students with disabilities ages 18-26 with an IEP. If you have questions, contact MDE at 517-241-5374 or mde-sfsp@michigan.gov. Latest MDE Memos for GSPC, Virtual Learning and Title Funds The Michigan Department of Education has released three additional memos responding to inquiries stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These memos address questions and provide guidance related to: Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition activities (including information on paying staff), the use of federal Title program funds during a public health emergency (including information on paying staff), and considerations and technical readiness guidance for transitioning to online learning during school closures. On the last item in particular, MDE has created a Technical Readiness document for schools transitioning to online learning to help ensure they are able to provide online learning to all students before pursuing this. For more details, click the links below: To view all MDE communications, click here. MASSP Social Media & Other Recommended Sources If you want continuous updates on things happening that are school related, be sure to follow MASSP on Twitter or 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 |