M-STEP Testing GISD

Michigan M-Step Activity Recording

Here is a video of how we recorded the M-Step activities. We do this so that if a student is absent the day of the activity that they will be able to watch the activity as the other students have and then take the performance task.

• ProJive XLR Microphone Adapter for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android Devices
• Mic Optional Wireless Mic
• http://www.istabilizer.com/products/istabilizer-tabmount
• Tripod
• Ipad

Technology Planning Process Update for Michigan Schools 2015

Technology Planning Process Update

As of 5/30/2015, the technology planning process is no longer housed in legacy MEGS. As the technology plan requirement has been eliminated from e-rate complaince, Michigan has been able to redesign the process. The new process is housed in the ASSIST platform, allowing for a meaningful, data driven plan that is integrated with existing school improvement processes. To allow districts time to acclimate to the new technology planning process, it will be rolled out over the next few years in a phased approach. Technology plans that expire 6/30/2015 will be due 9/30/2015. All districts participating in TRIG are required to have an annually updated, current technology plan. 

To clarify, USED had required technology plans under Title II Part D. This no longer exists. If Enhancing Education Through Technology (E2T2) funds return, technology planning may be a required component.  In Michigan, all districts participating in TRIG are required to have a technology plan.  Best Practices Incentives may also include technology planning. E-rate no longer requires a technology plan for Category 2 as of FY 2015.  

The accreditation process and various grants may still require technology plans. Technology planning should be integrated into the School Improvement Process and MDE considers technology planning to be standard best practice. 

Training is currently being held for the new process. Please see http://22itrig.org/activities/activity-two/technology-planning/ for details and registration.  

 This is a Goal Building Template for private schools and schools/districts that do not participate in the school improvement process here. Districts that do use ASSIST for school improvement may also use this as a template before inputting goals, objectives, strategies, and activities into the ASSIST platform. 

MDE Memorandum April 4, 2014 - Notification of Changes in the Technology Planning Process

In the FY2015 State School Aid Act, the Michigan Legislature included a best practices requirement related to technology planning for intermediate school districts (ISDs). More information at:  http://michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-6530_6605-258500--,00.html

 CIPA - Children's Internet Protection Act - FCC Consumer Guide. - 2011 update.

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children’s access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet. CIPA imposes certain requirements on schools or libraries that receive discounts for Internet access or internal connections through the E-rate program – a program that makes certain communications services and products more affordable for eligible schools and libraries. In early 2001, the FCC issued rules implementing CIPA and provided updates to those rules in 2011.

If you have additional questions please contact Ann-Marie Smith, Technology Planning Coordinator and Communications Consultant, smitha24 at michigan.gov or 517-335-2775.

School Technology Management Certification Courses April 28-30th 2015 MSBO Conference

Greetings! Technology Directors

Have you thought about getting your School Technology Management certification? Not sure where to take the courses. You can take them at the MSBO Conference. Here is some detail and it is not too late to sign up.

The MSBO Conference is at the COBO Center in Detroit this year, April 28-30, 2015. This is a tremendous opportunity to get some awesome professional development with many others from all areas of School Business and Operations.

Tuesday, the 28th, is preconference day and there is a Technology Leadership Preconference dedicated to technology topics. We have a great agenda for this day and you won't want to miss it.

In addition to breakout technology topics at the general conference, there are many classes that can expand your knowledge of school operations in general. From labor negotiation to dealing with difficult people, you’ll find many topics of interest. There is also the largest educational exhibit show in Michigan.

You can find the conference promo with all the details at http://www.msbo.org/annual-conference

Don’t hesitate to contact me directly with any questions. I hope to see you in Detroit

FarmLogs Farm Management App

TEDx Youth@Clarkston

I Wish My Teacher Knew

"I wish my teacher knew" assignment reveals kids' hardships

QuantumLevitation

Google Certification Exam Announcement

Chromebooks in Michigan M-Step Testing

Michigan M-Step shows a strong showing with Chromebooks being used in year one testing. MDE looks to support Chrome Box and other chrome devices in future years further.

Test Session Counts:

Completed: 674,502

Not Started: 3,202,200

Sessions taken on:

Windows: 458,970

Chrome: 143,758

Mac OSX: 60,553

iPad: 7,420 

Three Reasons Chromebooks Are Shining in Education

Mobile Computing

Three Reasons Chromebooks Are Shining in Education

For districts looking to get the most bang for their ed tech buck, devices that fall somewhere between tablets and traditional laptops can be just the right fit.

Link to full article

Technology Revolution for all Students