Spring 2007 Leading Change

Michigan Standards Help Prepare and Support High Quality Teachers

by Bonnie Rockafellow, Education Consultant, Office of Professional Preparation Services, Michigan Department of Education

Within this article readers will find an explanation of the standards used along the road to becoming an excellent educator in Michigan. The standards listed in the sidebar to the left support the journey that begins as a teacher candidate enters an approved teacher preparation institution.

Teacher candidates enter into teacher preparation institutions with a desire to teach. During the preparation period, candidates are introduced to many new ideas, strategies, and resources. Upon acceptance to the institution’s teacher education program, student candidates participate in courses that are aligned with the Entry Level Standards for Michigan Teachers (ELSMT). These standards permeate the instruction provided in the teacher preparation classes. Michigan Department of Education (MDE) staff members look for evidence of the implementation of the ELSMT when they conduct reviews of the teacher preparation institutions. Once a teacher candidate completes the approved initial course of study, he or she is recommended to the MDE for provisional certification.

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Recognizing the critical first three years of a teacher’s professional life, the Michigan Legislature mandated new teacher induction and teacher mentoring in 1993. Under this mandate, the local school district becomes responsible for not only providing orientation to the new teacher but for the assignment of an experienced mentor as well.

For the first three years, the beginning teacher should continue to develop skills related to the content and knowledge gained during the teacher preparation period and to extend that knowledge with additional learning experiences through a planned program of study. The teacher-induction experiences, mentor support, and advanced course work are recognized as critical components to support quality professional learning.

Finding Teacher Preparation Institutions

Becoming an approved teacher preparation institution is a rigorous process that requires every element of the institution to be reviewed. A listing of approved teacher preparation institutions can be found at www.michigan.gov/mde. Select from the left menu “Offices,” “Professional Preparation,” then look in the box at the bottom right of the page.

The State Board of Education has provided a clear vision and standards for quality professional development. The Professional Development Vision and Standards document is available at www.michigan.gov/opps.

The Entry Level Standards for Michigan Teachers can be found at www.michigan.gov/mde. Select from the left menu “Offices,” “Professional Preparation,” then “Preparation Programs-Standards/Approval Process.”

In 1994, the Michigan Department of Education began publishing supporting information to meet the needs of local school districts as they implemented this mandate. It soon became evident that a framework for developing teacher induction and mentoring programs was needed to ensure a strong teaching force and to limit the revolving door effect with new teacher employment. Based on these identified needs, a referent committee developed the Teacher Induction and Mentoring Program Standards, which were approved by the State Board of Education on January 13, 2004.

Through a partnership between MDE and Michigan State University, additional resources were developed to support beginning teachers, mentors, and administrators as they work together during the induction period (the first three years of working in the field). The Advocating Strong Standards-based Induction Support for Teachers (ASSIST) project provides more than 1,000 resources for Michigan educators. ASSIST resources can be accessed through www.michigan.gov/mde or by visiting http://assist.educ.msu.edu/ASSIST.

During the induction period, the new teacher begins to focus on his or her professional goals. In addition to guidance and support, the mentor often offers suggestions for continued professional development through advanced study at teacher preparation institutions and various Michigan education associations.

Once a teacher completes an approved advanced course of study, he or she is recommended to the MDE for professional certification. Professionally certified teachers have the responsibility to continue their learning through a combination of course work and professional development experiences that assist their efforts to improve the learning potential for every student in Michigan.

For more information, contact: Bonnie Rockafellow, Education Consultant, Office of Professional Preparation Services, Michigan Department of Education, (517) 373-7861, rockafellowb@michigan.gov. For more information about ASSIST, contact: Michigan State University, (517) 353-8950, assist@msu.edu or visit http://assist.educ.msu.edu/ASSIST.

Glossary Terms: Understanding New Teacher Education Terms

Entry Level Standards (Pedagogy and Practice)—These are standards for all teachers certified to teach at the elementary and secondary levels. They are used during the preparation program and induction period for beginning teachers.

Endorsements Standards (Content Specialty Area Knowledge)—These are standards based on a major or minor course of study and specific to an elementary or secondary certificate.

Teacher Induction and Mentor Program Standards—These standards define the support elements that school districts must provide to beginning teachers during the first three years of teaching.

Professional Development Vision and Standards—These standards are used to define quality in professional development plans and experiences.

Source: The ASSIST Web site, http://assist.educ.msu.edu/ASSIST.

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