A newly formed Michigan Smaller Learning Communities Consortium has been awarded a federal Smaller Learning Communities grant from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). The Consortium is comprised of six large Michigan high schools which plan to embark a five-year collaborative initiative to further the ongoing efforts at each high school to provide personalized learning environments for every student that will improve student achievement, result in successful graduation for all students, and further promote successful transitions for students into post-secondary education.
The Michigan Smaller Learning Communities Consortium includes Grand Rapids Creston High School, Grand Rapids Union High School, Marquette High School, Muskegon High School, Traverse City Central High School, and Traverse City West Senior High School. The purpose of the Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) grant is to provide resources to large high schools that serve over 1,000 students to improve student achievement, increase graduation rates, and promote successful transitions for all students in high school and beyond graduation.
Each respective school district will gain much needed resources for implementing Michigan’s new graduation requirements to further ensure that Michigan students are prepared for the 21st century global economy. Michigan’s economy and competitive advantage is critically connected to the education level of its students and workforce. Educators from each consortium school are committed to establishing Smaller Learning Communities that will personalize the high school experience and create an environment in which teachers and other adults within the school know the needs, interests, and aspirations of each student, closely monitor each student’s progress, and provide the academic and other support each student needs to succeed. The six high schools serving those communities are rising to the challenges to address the unique needs of each student within large high schools.
To meet these challenges, each school will receive extensive support over the next five years from the Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools and Michigan State University. The Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools (MCES) is part of a national network of schools and centers that is engaged in restructuring and redesigning school organization and curriculum to promote better student learning and achievement. The MCES mission is focused on classroom practice, the simple authenticity of its Principles, and its determination to measure the long-term impact of school reform on the lives of students. Rigorous academic standards and high expectations for all students are at the core of this effort. MCES has served as a school change partner in over 50 schools across the state.
The Michigan Smaller Learning Communities Consortium was formed by the Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools (MCES). The Consortium represents a collective commitment by these high schools to create successful, personalized learning environments for each and every student, resulting in increased achievement and success following graduation for all. The Consortium schools represent diverse geographic areas within Michigan, and have agreed to work in collaboration to dramatically enhance the likelihood of success as opposed to individual efforts to improve and reform.
National research confirms that smaller learning communities result in improved academic performance, fewer discipline problems, and reduced dropout rates. The federal Smaller Learning Communities grant was available nationwide to any high school with 1,000 students or more. The SLC grant process was very competitive and the USDOE received 235 proposals nationwide. Of those proposals, only 38 were funded totaling $86,315,247.
Michigan State University’s Department of K-12 Educational Administration in the College of Education will be extensively involved in the project by evaluating the implementation of the Michigan Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) Consortium program.
MEDIA ADVISORY: A Press Conference will be conducted to officially launch this major statewide educational initiative. Speakers will include representatives from the Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools and key administrators from the participating high schools who will be available to respond to questions regarding how each respective school plans to implement the initiative. Additionally, Michigan legislators and U.S. Congressional elected officials will be acknowledged for their support for this significant educational grant initiative in Michigan.
Press Conference Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Holiday Inn West Bay, 615 E. Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan
Press Conference Contact: Alison Arnold, TCAPS’ Marketing & Communications Director
231-933-8995
Program Contacts:
Dr. Jayne Mohr, Associate Superintendent
Traverse City Area Public Schools
412 Webster Street
Traverse City, MI 49685-0032
(231) 933-1777
Shug Brandell, Co-Director Jim Bodrie, SLC Project Director
Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools
400 Jackson Street, Suite #2 400 Jackson Street, Suite #2
Jackson, Michigan 49201 Jackson, Michigan 49201
(269)-317-9664 (231) 730-7007