What Is Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative (MiBLSi)?

The Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative (MiBLSi) is an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Mandated Activities Project (MAP). MiBLSi is supported by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services; the Macomb Intermediate School District (ISD); the Ottawa Area ISD; and the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA). MiBLSi became partially funded by a State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) beginning September 1, 2007. This funding will allow for an expansion from elementary schools into the middle and high school levels along with regional technical assistance at all levels.

MiBLSi efforts help students become better readers and use appropriate behavior for increased success in both school and the community. To reach this goal, MiBLSi develops multi-tiered support systems to help educators implement and sustain a data-driven problem-solving model in participating schools.

MiBLSi supports regional school teams working to build capacity in local schools in order to implement and sustain schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and research-based reading intervention. MiBLSi efforts result in the following:

• Increased reading performance based on statewide assessments.
• Reduced behavior problems using the PBS approach.
• Accurate and timely knowledge of student performance in behavior and reading.
• Data-driven decision making based on information about student performance in behavior and reading.

Over a three-year period, participating MiBLSi schools receive personnel development and support, including local coach support to assist with training, technical assistance, regional and statewide networking, and Web-based resources.

For more information on the MiBLSi initiative or for information on how to become a MiBLSi school, contact: Kathryn Schallmo, Director, Macomb ISD, (586) 228-3330, kschallmo@misd.net; Steve Goodman, Director, Ottawa Area ISD, (877) 702-8600 ext. 4027, sgoodman@oaisd.org; Margaret McGlinchey, Director, Kalamazoo RESA, (269) 385-1581, mmcglinc@kresanet.org or visit www.cenmi.org/miblsi. For more information on the SPDG, contact: Beth Steenwyk, SPDG Director, (231) 288-4001, beth.a.steenwyk@mac.com.