MCEC / June 2017
Type: Board Appointed
Focus Areas: Skilled Staff
Upcoming dates or events to share with general membership
MAASE Liaison to MCEC Report
Liaison: Andy Claes
MAASE Board Meeting Date: 6/12/17
MCEC meeting Date: 6/14/17
Report/Update: 6/8/17
Updates and Activities:
MAASE has elected new members to the board for the 2017-2018 school year. Abby Allen will be coming on board as the Vice President Elect, Rebecca McIntyre as the ISD/ESA Representative, Ben Hicks as the Region 1b Representative, and Greg Bodrie as the Region 3 Representative. We look forward to another successful year and welcome our new members. We would like to thank Donna Jones, and Dave Manson for their service and support on the board for the past several years.
The MAASE membership survey has been well received with 165 responses, with the majority of those completing the survey feeling positive about the organization. There is always room for improvement and as we move forward, I hope to use the results of the survey, in conjunction with the board members, to help set targets for the coming year. These results and a compilation of the written responses will be shared with board members the June meeting for preview and discussed further at the board retreat.
MCEC and MAASE brought a National CEC, David Bateman, to Michigan on the topic of Leading Special Education at the School Site: A Comprehensive Workshop. This workshop was provided in two locations; Lansing Community College on May 19 and Bay College in Escanaba on May 18. The attendance in Escanaba was less than we had hoped and this may have influenced by the time of year. Who would have guessed that the weather in May would prevent the David from reaching the UP? He was unfortunately stranded in a Chicago hotel but was able to present via the web. Despite this hiccup, the event was well received by the participants. We can only assume that David professionally dressed as the audience viewed the slides.
MAASE has scheduled our summer retreat at Shanty Creek Resort for July 16-18. We are trying something a little different this year with overlapping summer retreats for both MCEC and MAASE. MCEC will be having their retreat on the 17-19th of July. Our hope is to continue to foster communication and partnership among our two organizations. As there are approximately 4-6 people on both boards, this may ease the transition between meetings. We are not looking to combine meetings or interfere with the distinguished goals of either organization. We are planning an opportunity to have a “social summit” after hours at a local establishment on Monday evening.
MAASE continues work around our four focus areas: program evaluation, high quality staff, high quality evaluations, and specifically designed instruction. Look for postings on our website for more information and descriptions of these concepts. Each of our Communities of Practice are working to align their goals and activities to these four focus areas.
MAASE continues to be engaged in discussion with MAISA to provide guidance and clarity around the 51a (virtual charter school) issues. Through this ad hoc group, the intent is to help steer solutions that include the nuance of special education rule, FAPE, LRE, and best practice.
Are numbers of people doing the work sufficient for the committee/work groups? Yes
Are there any committee (or work group) members worthy of recognition for extraordinary volunteer services? Not at this time
In general, is reasonable progress being realized? yes
Are there any concerns that should be brought to the attention of the President or MAASE BOD? none
Relevant Target /Objective
Update (Progress since the last meeting)
Increase MCEC and CASE membership to 300 unified members in MAASE/CASE/MCEC
We are currently under 200 unified members.
Hot Topics
Planning of the summer retreat
New and retiring board members