Living Into Continuous Improvement: Off the Shelf and Into the Classroom
The Michigan Department of Education will hold the 2024 Fall Continuous Improvement Conference on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West in Lansing, Michigan.
View the MDE Fall 2024 Continuous Improvement Conference Agenda 05.09.2024.
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Lansing West
Cost: $275 (in-person option) and $225 (virtual option)
Keynote Presenter – Matt Vriesman, Current Michigan History Teacher of the Year and National History Teacher of the Year
The keynote speaker for the conference will be Mr. Matt Vriesman, the current Michigan History Teacher of the Year and National History Teacher of the Year. Matt teaches AP United States History, AP World History, and AP African American Studies and is the Model United Nations director at East Kentwood High School in Kentwood, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids, where he has taught for sixteen years.
According to the selection committee of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education, Vriesman’s teaching stood out for his exceptional ability to tell the story of American history through the lens of his community and to integrate history with other content areas.
Vriesman encourages his students to question what they read in their textbooks and think critically about how the narrative of history impacts their worldview. “We’re not just talking about these stories that happened 300 years ago or 1,000 years ago,” he said. “We’re really talking with each other about our present and assumptions that we’ve made about who we are. When you can get students to that place – it’s inspiring, and it’s hopeful.”
Vriesman’s keynote will be on Empowering Students through Truth That Resonates. He will also present a breakout session on Advancing Excellence and Equity though Antiracism in Social Studies Education.
Breakout Sessions
To access a printable version of all of the breakout sessions, click here.
10:45 a.m. to Noon
Location:Reo Room
Presenters: Karen Rayner, Data, Assessment, and Evaluation Consultant, Lenawee ISD and Nick Wasmer, Nick Wasmer, MA Supervisor of Leadership and Continuous Improvement, Oakland ISD
Description: We will explore strategies for cultivating a collaborative reflective culture with all members of the learning community that continuously focuses on improving everyday outcomes for students. We will share approaches for developing systemic reflective practices, including:
- Creating courageous spaces for open dialogue
- Using structured protocols for effective reflection
- Acting on reflections to drive continuous improvement
Join us to learn how to foster an environment where reflective practices thrive and support sustainable improvement.
Supported Strand: Culture
Location: Ballroom D
Presenters:Michigan Department of Education
Description: This session will invite participants to explore the definition of curriculum, while sharing lessons learned and success stories related to creating local curriculum. By identifying key components, assets, and challenges associated with creating local curriculum, and evaluating aspects that make curriculum diverse and inclusive, participants will leverage experiences to identify shared understanding. The session will conclude with participant feedback to inform a draft curriculum guidance graphic under development by the Michigan Department of Education.
Supported Strand: Culture, Systems, Practice, Supports
Location:Cord Room
Presenters: Lindsay Brindley, Systems Improvement Consultant, Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD and Rich Marshall, Project Director for Student Supports, MAISA
Description: Most districts are implementing numerous initiatives; and most of them can name things they have implemented that have not worked out, leading to frustration and overload. So, what processes can districts put in place to proactively address this occurrence and support people when implementation issues arise? How do districts decide what to keep and what to let go? Participants will practice protocols designed to examine their own district-level initiatives and leave the session with actionable next steps.
Supported Strand: Systems
Location:Ballroom F
Presenters: Elizabeth Mosher, Assistant Superintendent, and Kim Hubert, Director of Instructional Services, Brighton Area Schools
Description: In this session, participants will explore how to leverage and integrate systems to create a continuous improvement culture. Learn how one district transformed from people-driven to a process-driven continuous improvement approach. The district operationalized continuous improvement through modeling learning and building capacity that empowers staff and administrators while aligning to building and district goals. Participants will leave with tools to reflect on their current systems and processes, and ideas on how to align and integrate systems within their organization, as well as grow a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Learning Targets: Learn processes and structures for creating an integrated continuous improvement process. Identify ideas for aligning and integrating systems within their organization. Explore tools to build and operationalize a culture of continuous improvement.
Supported Strands: Culture, Systems
Location: Ballroom B
Presenter: Matt Vriesman, AP US History, AP African American Studies, and AP World History, Kentwood Public Schools
Description: Learn about best practices to enhance student buy-in and engagement in social studies classrooms by increasing the diversity of the voices in the curriculum, including through student choice and the building of community partnerships. In this session, we will explore examples of the empowering impacts of an antiracist approach to history and bust myths about misconceptions about this approach. Leave with an understanding of how to turn the textbook into a resource for inquiry and how to support student growth through honest and relevant discussion.
Supported Strand: Practice
Location: Ballroom E
Presenters: Rebekah Hornak, Implementation & Communication Specialist, TA Lead, SISEP Center Project Director, National Implementation Research Network
Description: In an era where educational initiatives proliferate rapidly, teachers are often burdened with an overwhelming number of programs, tools, and mandates. This presentation explores the concept of de-implementation—intentionally stopping low-value practices—to streamline efforts and enhance the impact of high-value initiatives. Attendees will learn strategies for integrating de-implementation processes into a continuous improvement process, ensuring that school districts can sustain meaningful change without overburdening educators.
Supported Strand: Practice
Location:Aurora Room
Presenters: Amy Basket, Implementation Specialist, MTSS Technical Assistance Center, Macomb ISD
Description: This session will explore the journey of two public school academies in MidMichigan as they implement a comprehensive reading and Social-Emotional Behavioral Health (SEBH) Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). We will discuss the teams, processes, practices, and data that drive effective decision-making. Additionally, we will connect these efforts to the district’s continuous improvement process, emphasizing how ongoing evaluation and adaptation can enhance student outcomes. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to align their own MTSS efforts with district goals.
Supported Strand: Implementation, Continuous Data-Based Decision-Making
Location: Ballroom C
Presenter: Matthew Gleason, Accountability Specialist; Chad Bailey, Accountability Specialist and Chris Janzer, Michigan Department of Education
Description: This informational session will provide a high-level overview of the School Index; Michigan’s federally approved public school accountability system and provide any relevant updates on 2023-24 school year reports and data.
Supported Strand: Supports
Location:Ballroom A
Presenters: Dorothy Blackwell, MICIP Lead, Ben Boerkoel, MICIP Lead for Professional Learning, Renie Araoz, MICIP Administrator, Steven Curry, Educational Consultant and Dave Carlson, Educational Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Description: Chat with MDE MICIP staff regarding the conference theme. Discuss your thoughts or questions about the MICIP process and platform and how they can be used to take the continuous improvement plan off the shelf and implement it in the district, the school, and the classroom.
Supported Strands: Systems, Practice, Supports
12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Cord Room
Presenters: Chris Williams, Dean of Teaching & Student Learning and Hannah Whyard, World Language Teacher and Department Leader, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Kent ISD
Description: At WMAA, each department team participates in the continuous improvement process, identifying needs, making plans, and adapting programs. Multiple structures have been created to support this process, including new roles, new professional learning structures, and new ways staff time is used. This framework has become the basis for classroom instruction by defining curriculum and evaluating impact. Having just gone through a successful on-site review; we hope our journey will be helpful to other school teams.
Supported Strand: Systems
Location: Ballroom F
Presenters: Angela Jack, Educational Improvement Consultant, and Jennifer Snapp, Education Improvement Consultant, Wayne County RESA
Description: Have you ever wondered how continuous improvement teams not only drive the successful implementation of change initiatives but also promote their sustainability? This interactive session equips district/school-level teams with essential practices to move change efforts into sustainable progress. Discover how continuous improvement teams engage district/school staff through cascading communication channels and data informed decision making to ignite positive improvement results. Participants will leave with actionable steps to elevate the work of the continuous improvement team.
Supported Strand: Culture
Location: Reo Room
Presenters: Ellen Vorenkamp, Kathy Humphrey, Michigan Assessment Consortium and Nicole Kalmbach, Kent ISD
Description: A cultural shift from compliance to continuous improvement in education is essential as we prioritize professional learning opportunities that embed improvement thinking into everyday teaching practices. Implementing balanced assessment systems that provide real-time feedback, allowing educators to adjust instruction and improve student learning outcomes is imperative. Districts must foster a collaborative environment where teachers share insights and successes, leveraging evidence-driven strategies. Barriers such as poor planning and unclear outcomes can inhibit districts efforts. The MAC has created several Strategic Implementation Guides and Planning Tools that can assist districts as they reexamine their assessment systems.
Supported Strand: Culture, Systems
Location: Aurora Room
Presenters: Kelsea Jabkiewicz, Education Consultant, and Sarah Ludwig, MTSS Coordinator, Jackson County ISD
Description: Jackson Public Schools in collaboration with Jackson County ISD decided to take their identification for a partnership district to the next level. They decided this was the changing point in their system and used stakeholder voice to do so. JPS and JCISD will go through their MTSS system goals, successes, barriers and where they are headed. Hear from the group of diverse staff that is driving these decisions and systematic changes for the largest district in Jackson County.
Supported Strands: Culture, Systems
Location: Ballroom A
Presenters: Dorothy Blackwell, MICIP Lead, Ben Boerkoel, MICIP Lead for Professional Learning, Renie Araoz, MICIP Administrator, Steven Curry, Educational Consultant and Dave Carlson, Educational Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Description: Chat with MDE MICIP staff regarding the conference theme. Discuss your thoughts or questions about the MICIP process and platform and how they can be used to take the continuous improvement plan off the shelf and implement it in the district, the school, and the classroom.
Supported Strands: Systems, Practice, Supports
Location: Ballroom E
Presenters: Aaron Baughman, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Northville Public Schools, Wayne RESA and Maureen Young, School AI
Description: In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance teaching and learning outcomes. This session will explore how AI can support educators in creating personalized, engaging, and effective learning experiences that bring continuous improvement to life. Participants will gain hands-on experience with AI tools and discover practical applications to bring continuous improvement plans off the shelf and into the classroom.
Supported Strand: Practice
Location: Ballroom B
Presenters: Veronica Lake, Executive Director of Student Services, Carrie Tellerico, Executive Director of Elementary Education, Bre’ Bartels, Executive Director of Secondary Education and Sunil Joy, Executive Director of Strategy & Innovation, Kentwood Public Schools 8
Description: This session will show the intersection between the MICIP and strategic planning, highlighting how Kentwood Public Schools successfully integrated these two approaches. Attendees will learn KPS’ approach to strategic planning, systematic implementation, and stakeholder engagement, transforming continuous improvement plans into action. This session provides practical strategies for addressing barriers, celebrating successes, and fostering a cohesive educational environment for sustained excellence.
Supported Strand: Practice
Location: Ballroom C
Presenters: Rane Garcia, Director, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Michigan Department of Education
Description: This session will focus on specific MDE efforts that are accessible to teachers, schools, and districts to support student belonging. Efforts shared will apply to English language arts, social studies, and incorporating student voice.
Supported Strand:
Location: Ballroom D
Presenters: Kellie Flaminio, Early Literacy Grant Coordinator, Michigan Department of Education, Jamie Bouchelle, Sr. State Success Manager, Professional Learning and Brandie Turner, Professional Learning Solutions, Lexia Learning
Description: What do your continuous improvement conversations look like? Are you focusing on the multiple components of a school-wide system? This session will look at the seven cogs to support the conversations within your leadership team to dissect key structures that together will create an effective system to diagnose and treat the symptoms that are preventing school success. (school-wide goals).
Supported Strand: Structure
2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Ballroom E
Presenters: Michelle Goaley, Director of Instructional Services for BAISD and Co-chair of the Early Literacy Task Force, BAISD
Description: In this session, we will explore the strategies available in the Strategy Bank for the literacy essentials Birth – 12 and the Organizational Practices. We will look at practical examples of implementation and you will walk away with easy to implement resources in your districts. You will look at options for data collection in coaching implementation that can be included in your MICIP plans and will assist in adapting practices to maximize results.
Supported Strand: Systems
Location: Cord Room
Presenters: Shanna Richey, Retired Teacher, Jenison Public Schools, Ottawa County ISD
Description: Tired of the same old classroom chaos every year? Achievement gaps can occur for many reasons, one significant factor being disruptions caused by certain behaviors. Classroom management is a daily challenge for any educator. By implementing effective self-control techniques and fostering a calming atmosphere in the classroom, educators can elevate their classroom culture. This will enable them to shine alongside their thriving students and create abundant opportunities for success!
Supported Strand: Culture, Practice
Location: Reo Room
Presenters: Al Thomas, Education Consultant, MiLEAP
Description: Equitable family engagement ensures that family engagement represents the diversity of the entire school community and provides a range of meaningful opportunities for involvement. This session will explore those opportunities and the value of ensuring families are a part of the continuous improvement planning process.
Supported Strands: Culture, Systems
Location: Ballroom D
Presenters: Kathleen Miller, Executive Director of Instructional Services and Secondary Options, Shiawassee RESD, Dr. Rhonda Provoast, Education Consultant, Macomb ISD, Cheryl Twitchell, Senior Portal Analyst, and Casey Hadaway, Portal Analyst, CEPI
Description: Whether you are new to the MI School Data portal, or an experienced MICIP user and data analyst, this session will share how districts and buildings can integrate structures and implement classroom practices for gathering continuous improvement data. Take a deep dive into the K-12 menu with State Assessments, Career and College Readiness, the new Special Education Dashboard and Report Builder, or CTE-Postsecondary-Workforce data sets. Find out how to harness the diversity of MI School Data to make connections to the MICIP platform. Session presenters will share a variety of resources and tools available for participants to use in data decision-making. Supported Strands: Systems, Practice
Location: Ballroom F
Presenters: Michelle Patton and Andrea Rogers, Michigan Department of Education
Description: Walk with us through common program and fiscal findings for your federal on-site review. We will explore best practices and provide tools and resources that will help support your district through this required opportunity.
Supported Strand: Supports
Location: Ballroom B
Presenters: Justin Leach, Implementation & Improvement Consultant, Calhoun ISD
Description: Step up to the plate and learn how decision-support data systems and improvement cycles can transform MICIP plans into “home runs.” When implementing a new strategy or program for the first time, it’s important to “Get Started, then Get Better!” Participants will learn how to use fidelity, process, and outcome data within a comprehensive data system to make quick, incremental, and scalable implementation improvements in the field. Let’s play ball!
Supporting Strand: Practice
Location: Ballroom C
Presenters: Kelly Alvarez, English Learner Consultant, and Suzanne Grambush, Section 31a, MTSS Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Description: Join us for this interactive session that will focus on the following: Review of EL Program Evaluation: Gain insights into the current tools and best practices for evaluating EL programs. Introduction to New Evaluation Tools: Discover innovative tools that streamline the evaluation of program implementation.
Supporting Strand: Supports
Location: Aurora Room
Presenter: Steven Curry, Education Consultant, Financial Unit
Description: Participants will explore how bridging silos enhances team communication about resource needs throughout the continuous improvement process. Utilizing engaging discussions and activities, presenters will emphasize necessary resources for effective strategy implementation. Participants will develop a shared understanding of key concepts (i.e., research equity) and examine how thoughtful resource management supports budgeting, grant compliance and equity. Insights for recording the team’s reflection in the MICIP platform will also be provided.
Supporting Strand: Structure, Practice
Location:Ballroom A
Presenters: Ben Boerkoel, Continuous Improvement Contractor, Renie Araoz, Continuous Improvement Contractor, Diane Joslin-Gould, Continuous Improvement Contractor, Lisa Francisco, Manager, Office of Partnership Districts, Liesel Carlson, Consultant, Office of Partnership Districts and Lynn Hogan, Consultant, Office of Partnership Districts, Michigan Department of Education
Description: Assessing needs and writing a high-quality plan is essential to continuous improvement. But unless the plan is implemented with integrity and monitored for capacity, fidelity, scale and reach, and impact, districts are not likely to realize the intended results. This session will benefit all schools and districts with making their plan come alive, with special attention given to those identified for CSI and ATS.
Supporting Strand: Practice