Charter News

Who is Running This Place? Understanding Charter School Decision Making

An effective school community is one where individuals have the knowledge, skill, and opportunity to participate in a way that leads to collective success.  The goal of this workshop is to create a comprehensive understanding of the structural and legal workings of charter schools. We will overview the policies that affect how teachers interact with parents, students, and administrators. Participants will learn how decisions are made at their schools and how to advocate for changes when necessary.  

Light refreshments will be served. 

Sponsored by Michigan ACTS - No Cost to Participants

Thursday, May 10, 2012 

5:30 to 7:00 pm. at the AFT Michigan office (2661 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, MI 48207)

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER

http://action.aft.org/c/1111/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=7858

What is important to you?

Let us know and WIN a $50 Staples gift card!

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

We've talked with hundreds of charter school teachers and staff across Southeast Michigan, and now we need to hear from you! To learn more about the priorities of Metro-Detroit’s charter school teachers and staff, Michigan ACTS created an online survey.

Fill-out the survey at http://bit.ly/MichiganACTSsurvey1

The first 3 respondents will win a $10 Staples gift card, and all participants will be entered to win a $50 Staples gift card.

Just Announced! The newest addition to our professional development series!

To register: please click this link and complete the registration form.

Rethinking Punishment (.3 SB-CEUs)
Saturday, March 24th, 2012, 8:30am- 1pm
AFT Michigan Office, 2661 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207
This workshop will challenge the most common assumptions about discipline and classroom management. Be prepared to question the assumption that problems in the classroom are usually the fault of students who don't do what they're told. Reconsider what it is that they've been told to do---or to learn. Explore how to work with students to create caring communities where decisions are made together.

Listening Session with Members of the Advisory Committee for Governor's Council on Educator Effectiveness

Time: 5:00 to 7:00, light refreshments from 5:00 to 5:30

Location:  University of Michigan Detroit Center, Orchestra Place, 3663 Woodward Avenue, Suite 150, Detroit, MI 48201.   Street parking is available! 

There have been several changes in Michigan law with regards to how teachers are evaluated.  One of which charged Governor Snyder to appoint a five member Council on Educator Effectiveness that will recommend a statewide evaluation system.  The Governor has also appointed an Advisory Committee composed of parents, teachers, and administrators to provide input on the recommendations of the Governor's Council on Educator Effectiveness.  

Here is your chance to participate in the process.  

Huffington Post:
Arts Academy In The Woods Teachers Vote To Unionize Charter School

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/15/arts-academy-in-the-woods-charter-school-union_n_1150009.html?ref=education&ir=Education

December 15th , 2001- The Huffington Post

By Simone Landon- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

After a six-month organizing drive, teachers at a suburban Detroit charter school voted to unionize on Wednesday, simultaneously certifying a new union local for charter school teachers in Michigan.

Teachers at the Arts Academy in the Woods high school in Fraser approved the new Michigan Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff (Michigan ACTS), a local affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan, by a vote of 20-1.

The 10-year-old AAW is chartered by the Macomb County Independent School District and is one of the highest performing schools in the county, serving 276 students in grades 9-12. It is only the second charter school to belong to AFT Michigan, but union organizers say it won't be the last.

Phil Cerrasco, an English teacher at the school, was involved in the union campaign and says the new union will approach the bargaining table in a collaborative spirit.

"We've had a lot pay cuts, a lot of insurance cuts," he said. "It hasn't turned us bitter, but it has made us think collectively maybe it's time for us to collaborate more on what's affecting our future and get outside of the classroom."