Closing the "Systems Gap" in Michigan

Friday January 29, 2016
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Room 360

As the educational landscape in Michigan evolves, there is one constant: the need to improve outcomes for all students. With increasing accountability and diminishing resources, there is a critical need to leverage evidence-based practices in a cohesive and coordinated manner to increase capacity at all levels of the education system and to build systems that respond to the needs of districts. Our current model of education has yielded gaps in equity, achievement, and, ultimately, the system. To “mind the gap,” we must think differently. In order for students to be successful, they need access to effective instructional practices. In order for educators to provide effective instructional practices, they need to be supported by effective systems. This session will discuss how the Michigan Dept. of Ed. (MDE) is capitalizing on the State Systemic Improvement Plan, a mandate by the U.S. Dept. of Ed., to reorient MDE toward supporting local capacity to improve outcomes for all students.

Download Session Materials

Handouts

Presenters
Teri Chapman

Teri Chapman is currently the Director of the Office of Special Education for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Teri was a teacher of students with disabilities for nearly 20 years as well as a special education monitor and Director of Special Education for one of Michigan's 56 Intermediate School Districts. Since coming to the State of Michigan five years ago, Teri and her team have been working to create balance between meeting the requirements of state and federal laws governing the effective implementation of special education programs and services with the need to improve outcomes for students. The MDE is currently using the State Systemic Improvement Plan requirements to design an effective system to support this new vision
Monique Chism

Dr. Chism is the Director for the Office of State Support in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Dr. Chism has held a series of positions in the field of education as a teacher, researcher, state administrator, and Assistant Superintendent of Illinois State.  In these positions she gained a deep knowledge of what is required to close achievement gaps and cultivate culturally proficient schools.
Jeff Diedrich

Jeff works on behalf of the Michigan Department of Education, leading efforts with colleague Jennifer Huisken LaPointe to co-construct and support the implementation the State Systemic Improvement Plan, an opportunity supported by the US Ed. to improve the educational landscape at all levels of the system.  In addition, he is the Director of a statewide project focused on improving the educational environment (physical and cognitive) to meet the needs of every student. 
Jennifer Huisken LaPointe

Each state is taking a unique approach to the U.S. Department of Education’s requirement for a 5 year State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). Michigan is taking a department wide approach that is led by the Michigan offices of Special Education, Field Services (Title I), Educational Improvement and Innovation, and Assessment and Accountability. The speakers represent seasoned presenters in key leadership positions from the Michigan Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education.
Michael Radke, PhD.

Dr. Radke is the Director of the Office of Field Services at the Michigan Department of Education. This office is responsible for administering nearly $1 billion in state and federal grant funds including Title I-A, Title II-A, Title III, migrant, homeless, neglected, delinquent and other programs designed to accelerate at-risk students’ achievement and close persistent achievement gaps. Mike’s career focus has been developing systems of improvement that actually impact student achievement. He currently serves as the Vice President of the NASTID Board.
Ruth Ryder

Ruth Ryder is the Acting Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education.  OSEP has responsibility for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act program, providing financial support to States through formula grant programs and national leadership in supporting States through technical assistance, personnel preparation, parent training, technology and State personnel development. Prior to joining OSEP, Ms. Ryder was a program administrator for a school district in Washington State with responsibility for an OSERS funded special education demonstration project examining integrated service delivery models for including children with disabilities in general education.  She also administered the ESEA Title 1 and Title II programs, State-remediation, gifted education, outcome-based education, and State-and district-wide testing programs.  Additionally, she was a special education consulting teacher and a general education classroom teacher.
theme:
leadership
audience:
212
topics:
program collaboration & coordination, effective program development, multiple tiered system of support