Connections to the Future, A Vision of Action— Michigan’s Information Technology Strategic Plan, 2004-2007

Michigan’s State Technology Plan (1998) with update 2004 (draft)

Microsoft Launches $35M Tech Training Program for U.S. Schools

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Technology Tools for Schools

MI Plan

MI Plan is the first state-provided Web-based mechanism for streamlining a school’s improvement planning and implementation process. The MI Plan system effectively brings together critical planning components of people, re-sources, and data into a single environment that produces data-derived, research-based, and goal-oriented decisions for improving student learning. 

Using the data compiled by districts and submitted to the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) and the Michigan Department of Education, MI Plan can generate several reports required by Public Act 25. MI Plan provides a framework to develop a single plan for meeting requirements of Title I, Education YES!, and comprehensive school reform, which assists school building principals and their school improvement teams.

Web site: www.michigan.gov/cepi/

For more information, contact: Center for Educational Performance and Information, Capital Tower Building, 110 W. Michigan Ave., Ste. 600, Lansing, MI 48933, (517) 241-2374, CEPI@michigan.gov.

Michigan Electronic Grant System (MEGS)

The Michigan Electronic Grant System (MEGS) is a MDE comprehensive Web application that uses modern technology to simplify the grant application and management process. This tool is designed to make it easier for schools and districts to apply for grants administered by the MDE and the Michigan Department of Community Health Office of Drug Control Policy. MEGS interacts with a variety of other State of Michigan systems, including the Michigan Education Information System (MEIS), the Grant Accounting System, and the School Code Master.

Although MEGS is based on advanced technology, it is designed to be used by even the most novice Internet user. MEGS also provides grant applicants accessibility to centrally stored grant-related data and expedites the approval process. Anyone with grant responsibilities can obtain a MEIS account number at http://meis.mde.state.mi.us/userman.

MEGS Web site: http://megs.mde.state.mi.us/megsweb
MEIS Web site: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-5236_29341---,00.html

For more information, contact: Office of Budget, Contracts & Grants, Michigan Department of Education, 608 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48933, MEGS@michigan.gov.

Michigan Education Information System (MEIS)

The Michigan Education Information System (MEIS) is the data warehouse system used by school districts to submit data to the state. Michigan’s Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) uses the MEIS to combine, store, and report the warehoused data. The MEIS will become the single source for all Michigan educational data.

The MEIS organizes data into five core data sets: single record student data, student assessment data, school infrastructure data, school personnel data, and financial data. The School Code Master, a directory of schools and general school information, ties these data sets together.

Web site: http://www.michigan.gov/cepi

For more information, contact: CEPI, Hannah Bldg., 2nd Floor, 608 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48933, (517) 241-2374, CEPI@michigan.gov.

e-IEP

Oakland Schools has completed the design for a new Electronic Individualized Education Program (e-IEP) application, including forms, reports, and process. The e-IEP will link to the Michigan Compliance Information System (MI-CIS) student database. Oakland ISD, Macomb ISD, and Ionia ISD will pilot the product beginning August 2005 and will report results to the Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (OSE-EIS). The project is funded by the OSE-EIS. The OSE-EIS plans to introduce the e-IEP statewide after October 2005.

The e-IEP format will regularly be updated for the newest statewide IEP forms and manuals, and implementation will occur in stages. The OSE/EIS will also develop standards and guidance for appropriate use of e-IEPs. The standards may be available to the general public as early as October 2005.

For more information, contact: Kathleen Golinski, Project Director, Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford, MI 48328, (248) 209-2089, kathleen.golinski@oakland.k12.mi.us.

Michigan Compliance Information System

MI-CIS (Michigan Compliance Information System) is an easy-to use, Web-based computer application for Special Education and Early Intervention compliance management and student tracking. MI-CIS can be used by schools and agencies as an everyday central registry system for program and compliance management. The system can also be used by state and local staff for online processing and support related to waivers, approvals, and other compliance tasks. MI-CIS makes it possible for local district software systems to exchange data, including Single Record Student Database (SRSD) compatible data that the Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services uses to meet annual federal reporting requirements. MI-CIS also simplifies and validates the task of data entry with on-screen email and telephone support, and it consolidates redundant data entry and reporting.

Web site: http://micis.org

For more information, contact: Allan Knapp, Interagency Information Systems (IIS), (517) 485-8181, akzoom@aol.com.

Michigan Educational Technology Planning Web Site

The Michigan Educational Technology Planning Web site helps local school districts in the development of their technology plans. Schools must have a technology plan in order to seek technology funding from federal programs like the Universal Service Fund (E-Rate) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). As a result, school technology plans must meet state and federal criteria. In
addition, Michigan’s State Technology Plan recommends specific actions related to planning and implementation.

The site is organized around the elements required for MDE approval and includes a model template, timelines, news and updates, resources, and sample technology plans from Michigan schools. The project is a collaborative effort of Intermediate School Districts (ISD), Regional Educational Media Centers (REMC), and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

Web site: www.techplan.org

For more information, contact: Ron Faulds, Michigan Department of Education, Office of Grants Coordination and School Support, P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909, (517) 373-1806, fauldsr@michigan.gov.

Michigan Department of Education (MDE)

The Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Web site contains links to many resources addressing information technology and education. The technology section, listed under the K-12 curriculum heading, contains information on curriculum, assessment, and professional development. The MDE technology page also contains information on state and national educational technology standards for students, teachers, and administrators from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE); the State Board of Education’s technology task force report, Embracing the Information Age; state and national technology plans; and links to other Web sites offering help on integrating technology into the classroom.

Web site: www.michigan.gov/mde (click on K-12 Curriculum/Technology in left column)

For more information, contact: Michael Flaminio, Web Administrator, Michigan Department of Education, 608 W. Allegan St., P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909, (517) 241-2326, mflaminio@michigan.gov.

Instructional Technology Across the Curriculum (ITAC)

The Instructional Technology Across the Curriculum (ITAC) Group of the Michigan Department of Education has developed a set of vignettes that illustrate good instructional technology practice. The vignettes illustrate how teachers might design instructional experiences that help students develop the knowledge and abilities identified in the Michigan Core Curriculum Framework standards and benchmarks.

Web site: www.techplan.org

Taking a Good Look at Instructional Technology (TAGLIT)

Taking A Good Look at Instructional Technology (TAGLIT) is a set of online assessment tools de-signed to help principals gather, analyze, and report information about how technology is used for teaching and learning in their schools. It includes assessments for the principal, teachers, and students. It collects information about technology planning, budget, policies, resources, technical and instructional support, teacher and student skills, classroom use, community involvement, professional development, and how technology affects what happens in the classroom.

TAGLIT assessments generate a report that includes five sections: (1) the Technology Plan, (2) the Teachers, (3) the Students, (4) the Comm-unity, and (5) the “Stuff.” Each report includes data tables and graphs and comments by the principal or other school leader.

Principals and superintendents who participate in the LEADing the Future (Gates) initiative must complete the online survey.

Web site: www.taglit.org

For more information, contact: taglit@ga.unc.edu.

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Classroom/Student Initiatives

Freedom to Learn

Freedom to Learn is a statewide education program designed to improve student learning by giving Michigan students access to 21st century learning tools. The program provides wireless technology to 14 percent of middle school students including wireless computing devices, software, and technical support. This technology comes with tools for teachers including professional development, course content, and assessments. Freedom to Learn equitably distributes the computing technology across a classroom, grade, or even a school district, regardless of individual family finances. Freedom to Learn is also designed to give everyone access to technology, especially students attending rural and high-priority schools. Freedom to Learn empowers teachers to teach and share ideas beyond the walls of their classrooms and provides parents with the tools they need to become more involved. The program focuses on creating a one-to-one environment in which students learn with computers, not simply about them.

Web site: http://wireless.mivu.org

For more information, contact: Freedom to Learn, Michigan Virtual Univer-sity, 3101 Technology Pky., Ste. G, Lansing, MI 48910, (517) 324-5357, wireless@mivu.org.

Partners in Learning

Partners in Learning is a set of Microsoft funded collaborative projects aimed at addressing student achievement and developing a more competitive 21st century work force.

The first two projects are targeted to reach Michigan classrooms by 2005. One involves the creation of guides, tools, and resources to help teachers meet the requirements in math and reading of Education YES! and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Another is the expansion of the MyDreamExplorer Web site, which will draw connections between curricula and careers to help students understand the relevance of their work in the classroom and realize their opportunities.

The Partners in Learning Executive Committee—composed of representatives from the Office of the Governor, the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Michigan Virtual University, and Microsoft—oversees the projects.

Web site: www.microsoft.com/education/pilus.aspx

For more information, contact: Jamey Fitzpatrick, Interim President, Michigan Virtual University, 3101 Technology Pky., Ste. G, Lansing, MI 48910, (517) 324-5360, (517) 336-7787 fax, jfitz@mivu.org or Carol Wolenberg, Deputy Superintendent for Administrative and Support Services, Michigan Department of Education, 608 W. Allegan St., P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909, (517) 241-0062, wolenbergC@michigan.gov.

Project KITE

The Kids Included through Technology are Enriched project (Project KITE) teaches early childhood professionals to integrate technology into their classrooms as a curriculum tool. Project KITE also teaches parents to use, modify, and customize technology for their child. The project promotes inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities in the daily activities of their homes and classrooms with the help of assistive technology tools. Project Kite is a training model for early childhood personnel and parents of young children with disabilities. Operated by the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Center, Project KITE’s goal is to provide creative access to technology options for children with disabilities.

Web site: www.pacer.org

For more information, contact: Janet Peters, Coordinator, Simon Technology Center, (888) 248-0822.

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Professional Development

Teach for Tomorrow (TfT)

Teach for Tomorrow (TfT) is an interactive Web-based course for teachers, offering hands-on instruction on how to introduce Internet resources and activities into the K-12 classroom using Michigan Core Curriculum Framework standards and benchmarks. TfT helps teachers understand how to use Internet technology and content for instruction, presentation, lesson planning, research, and collaboration.

The TfT professional development model is based on the National Staff Development Council’s Standards for Staff Development and was designed to build teacher competence and confidence with Internet technology.

Web site: http://tft.merit.edu

For more information, contact: Teach for Tomorrow, c/o Merit Network, 4251 Plymouth Rd., Arbor Lakes, Bldg. 1, Suite 2000, Ann Arbor MI 48105-2785, (734) 764-9430, tftadmin@merit.edu.

Michigan Virtual University (MVU)

Michigan Virtual University (MVU) is a private, non-profit organization that focuses on expanding online learning opportunities for Michigan’s K-12 students, teachers, and administrators. MVU operates the Michigan Virtual High School, http://mivhs.org, which provides online courses for high school and middle school students.  

Through MVHS, Michigan high school students can take a variety of courses (all taught by certified teachers) and prepare for high-stakes tests like the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) and Advanced Placement Exams anywhere there is a computer and an Internet connection. MVHS doesn’t independently grant diplomas or course credit; instead, it cooperates with individual school districts.

MVU Web site: www.mivu.org
MVHS Web site: http://mivhs.org

For more information, contact: Jamey Fitzpatrick, Interim President, Michigan Virtual University, 3101 Technology Pky., Ste. G, Lansing, MI 48910, (517) 324-5360, jfitz@mivu.org.

Intel® Teach to the Future In-Service Program

The Intel® Teach to the Future is a free in-service program offering course work for current and future teachers. The 40-hour Intel® Teach to the Future Essentials Course (the original 40-hour Intel® Teach to the Future program) offers face-to-face, hands-on instruction on the essentials of effective technology integration. Teachers also learn how to create assessment tools and align unit plans with state and national standards.

Web site: http://www97.intel.com/education/teach/index.htm

For more information, contact: Steve R. Hecker, Ph.D., Project Coordinator, 11633 Hidden Spring Tr., Dewitt, MI 48820, (517) 669-5435, shecker@macul.org.

Michigan Teacher Network

Michigan Teacher Network (MTN) provides easy access to pre K-12 education-related Web resources that have been carefully evaluated for quality, relevance, and effectiveness. MTN describes thousands of resources that can be used with students in the classroom, with teachers for professional development, and by educators for planning and problem solving.

MTN is designed specifically for Michigan pre K-12 educators, but it defines this group broadly. Its users include parents, teachers, school administrators, school board trustees, librarians and media specialists, technology coordinators, and other school staff. MTN also serves students, pre-service teachers, and professors at Michigan’s colleges and universities.

MTN is completely free, and no registration is required. It is a project of Learning Systems at Merit Network, Inc., developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education under the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund Grant Program.

Web site: http://mtn.merit.edu

For more information, contact: Mike McPherson, Interim President, Michigan Teacher Network, c/o Merit Network, Inc., 1000 Oakbrook Dr., Ste. 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (734) 764-9430.

REMC

Michigan’s 22 Regional Educational Media Centers (REMC) provide technology services to schools in their regions.

The REMC Association of Michigan provides leadership to local REMCs, ISDs, and schools in the areas of technology and media. The association also works to provide vision for technology and media in Michigan.
Projects and involvements include:

• Michigan Instructional Television (MITV)*— This collection of instructional video tools includes:
  • REMC Streaming Video Pilot (RSVP), a pilot project with United Streaming that created a “starter” collection of 40 motion media resources for use in K-12 classrooms.
  • The REMC Digital Collection (RDC) will expand on the RSVP selection of video resources for K-12 educators. This shared
    digital collection is chaptered, cataloged and correlated to state standards/benchmarks.
• Cooperative Acquisitions Projects—establishes statewide bid prices for audio/visual (AV) equipment and supplies, computer equipment, software, and online instructional resources.
• TIP Technology Toolkit—a resource developed by REMC’s Technology Integration Project (TIP) for school districts looking to use technology effectively in the classroom. The toolkit organizes information and resources for teachers, administrators, and tech coordinators.
• MIStreamNet—MI StreamNet directly supports the REMC Association in providing increased“anywhere” access to live video events and on-
  demand archived instructional video resources and professional development opportunities.
• Michigan Compressed Opportunities Designed to Enhance Curriculum
  (MCODEC)— The M-CODEC Project provides K-12 students access to compressed video content that offers curriculum correlating to the
  Michigan Core Curriculum Framework.

Web site: http://www.remc.org/index.html

For more information, contact: Sue Schwartz, REMC 13, 611 Hagadorn Rd., Mason, MI 48854, (517) 244-1477, (517) 676-9726 fax, sschwart@ inghamisd.org.

Michigan LearnPort

Michigan LearnPort is a joint effort of the Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Virtual University to create a statewide professional development portal for Michigan educators. The LearnPort Web site enables individuals to participate in learning communities, create professional learning plans, and find resources that will help them meet their professional goals.

Michigan LearnPort enables schools and districts to make professional development more accessible and less costly to deliver. It helps administrators
develop, communicate, and track professional development plans, participation, and progress. Learn-Port allows teachers to manage their own individual development plans, improve their skills, and reach their educational goals.

Web site: www.learnport.org

For more information, contact: Michigan LearnPort, c/o Michigan Virtual University, 3101 Technology Pky., Ste. G, Lansing, MI 48910, (517) 336-7733.

Technology in Education Alliance for Michigan (TEAM)

The Technology in Education Alliance for Michigan (TEAM) develops and promotes a common vision, greater statewide awareness, strategic initiatives, and public policy resulting in more effective uses of technology and resources to improve teaching and learning in Michigan.

Comprising educational organizations and information technology (IT) business innovators, this consortium will aggressively work to benefit Michigan’s primary and secondary schools by integrating information technology into the learning environment.

Web site: www.cyber-state.org/2_0/2_2_1.html

For more information, contact: Cyber-state.org, P.O. Box 134001, Ann Arbor, MI 48113-4001, (734) 302-4755.

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Organizations

Merit Network, Inc.

Merit Network, Inc. is a non-profit corporation governed by Michigan’s public universities. Its mission is to make Michigan a showcase for high-performance networking. Through its Learning Systems, Merit brings the resources of higher education into K-12 classrooms and uses the Internet to develop learning solutions that improve student achievement and workforce training.

Learning Systems activities include: real-time student assessment (MI-COMPASS, GoObserve), Internet-based curriculum materials (Michigan Teacher Network, Viewing the Future, Resource Archives), Collaborative Environments for 21st Century Learning (videoconferencing and electronic fieldtrips), and technology training and online professional development (Teach for Tomorrow, Information for Today, Preparing Teachers for Tomorrow, Professional Development Database).

Web site: http://merit.edu

For more information, contact: Merit Network Inc., 1000 Oakbrook Dr., Ste. 200, Ann Arbor MI 48104, (734) 764-9430.

MiCTA

MiCTA is an association of educational, governmental, and non-profit members who have banded together to improve quality and reduce costs for voice, data, and video technology services and products.

MiCTA, formed originally in 1982. MiCTA identifies and resolves common voice, data and video issues and problems; provides a clearinghouse of information relative to these technologies; gains information on new products and services; influences the development of voice, data, and video services; and offers these services to members at reduced costs and improved quality.

Today, MiCTA is a national association of more than 19,500 members from higher education, health care, libraries, K-12, government, and other non-profit organizations.

Web site: www.micta.org

For more information, contact: MiCTA Service Corporation, 1500 W. High St., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858, (888) 870-8677, info@micta.org.

LEADing the Future

LEADing the Future is an ongoing leadership development program for prin-cipals and superintendents. A collaborative project of the Michigan K-12 education community funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project’s goal is to strengthen K-12 instructional, organizational, and public leadership through the development of technology-related knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The project offers hands-on experiences that focus on using hand-held technology and specialized applications to access and use data to make informed leadership decisions.
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LEADing the Future provides online training as well as face-to-face training at convenient locations and at association events. More than 5,000 K-12 and ISD district superintendents and school principals from Michigan public and private schools and academies are expected to have completed the training by the end of 2004.

Web site: www.leadmichigan.org

For more information, contact: Marion Ginopolis, mginopolis@comcast.net.

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Technology Standards for School Administrators (TSSA)

The Technology Standards for School Administrators (TSSA) describe a national consensus on the “core” knowledge and skills every pre K-12 administrator needs in order to get the most from technology in education, regardless of specific job role. The TSSA then extends the core to include the specific needs of administrators in each of three job roles:

• Superintendent and executive cabinet.
• District-level leaders for content-specific or other district programs.
• School-level leaders including principals and assistant principals.

The International Society of Technology Educators has now adopted the TSSA standards as the National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A).

Web site: http://cnets.iste.org/tssa/index.html

For more information, contact: Don Knezek, CEO, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), 1710 Rhode Island Ave, NW Ste. 900, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 861-7777, dknezek@iste.org or James Bosco, Chair, TSSA Collaborative, College of Education, Western Michigan University, 1903 Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, (269) 387-3485, bosco@wmich.edu.

Michigan Technology Content Standards

The Michigan Technology Content Standards are part of the broader Michigan Curriculum Content Standards. The Technology Standards describe skills elementary, middle, and high school students should have in order to:

• Use technology in the real world.
• Use technology to manage and communicate information.
• Apply appropriate technologies to critical thinking, creative expression, and decision-making.
• Use a systematic approach to design technological tools to solve problems and improve our world.
• Use and evaluate technology in legal and ethical ways.
• Find new ways to use technology and evaluate its impact on society.

The Michigan Technology Content Standards and the national Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology provide the foundation for technology education teaching and learning in Michigan.

Web site: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Technology_11594_7.htm

For more information, contact: Barb Fardell, (517) 335-1291, fardellb@ michigan.gov.

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