Be Direct With Respect Online Class
The 49th Michigan School Testing Conference
February 2009 Events... Register Now!
Mark Your Calendar For These Upcoming Conferences

Highlight on Certification: Pupil Accounting Auditor and Pupil Accounting Specialist
MIEM and Michigan Pupil Accounting and Attendance Association (MPAAA) have come together to offer two new certification tracks, Pupil Accounting Auditor and Pupil Accounting Specialist.
These two new certification programs will:

1. provide access to information and training for the Pupil Accounting Auditor/Specialist that is specific to their function under Michigan law and regulation;

2. provide a basis for advancing the profession of Pupil Accounting Auditors/Specialists in Michigan; and

3. ensure proper training in pupil accounting auditing/data recording procedures, rules and regulations.

 These certification courses provide a great deal of information in a short time. Most courses are “bulleted” information rather than in-depth training. They are intended to cover major points about their respective topics, offer an opportunity for questions and discussion, and provide resource information containing background and useful materials for future use.

Classes are held at the MPAAA Spring and Fall Conference, MIEM, and at the Michigan School Business Officials' Annual Conference in April.

If you have not enrolled in the PAA or PAS certification track, please fill out the Letter of Commitment so we can begin tracking your progress. If you have over five years of experience as a Pupil Accounting Auditor or Specialist, you may want to fill out the grandparenting application to shorten the amount of time/hours you will need to complete the process.

To find out more about MSBO's Voluntary Certification Program, view my slide show with audio.
 
Debbie Kopkau
MIEM Director of Operations

Be Direct With Respect Online Class
February 3-March 1
Express yourself in a concise and respectful manner to become stronger at being direct and truthful. Build mutually beneficial relationships with coworkers. Reclaim productive time by transforming energy-draining employee negativity into positive energy; Problem solve real situations to improve your work environment.

Overview of Human Resource Management
February 4, 8:45 am-4:00 pm
Location: LCC West
This session provides an overview of the hiring process, from recruiting, interviewing, and reference checks to staff orientation and record keeping. This session takes you through the steps of setting up personnel records, handling FOIA requests, address policies and procedures by exploring employee handbooks and understanding how worker’s compensation records should be kept in the personnel file.

Customer Service
February 11, 9:00 am-12:15 pm
Location: Oakland Schools
How to understand customers’ expectations; How to deal with many different customers from challenging parents to complaining students; How to improve communication with customers with effective questioning, listening, and responding skills; How to resolve customer problems and complaints; How to present yourself and your organization in a professional manner; The importance of customer service in a schools-of-choice environment; and the effective use of voicemail.

Time Management
February 11, 1:00-4:15 pm
Location: Oakland Schools
This session will help participants effectively handle the numerous tasks they must perform in a well-run office. Participants will learn: Principles of time management - How to deal with multiple projects and deadlines; Setting priorities; How to work with multiple bosses; Using multiple calendars; How technology can help you manage your time. Plus, What you can do to create a more productive work environment - The importance of attitude; When - and how - to ask for help; How to reduce stress levels in the workplace; The importance of creating and utilizing a network of peers.

Differentiated Instruction
February 13, 9:00 am-3:45 pm
Location: Wexford Missaukee ISD
The diversity of students in our classrooms is increasing; the need to shape curriculum and instruction to maximize learning for all students is more urgent than ever. The presenter will provide an introduction to the goals and principles of differentiation • including common misconceptions • and share descriptions of practical classroom strategies for different levels of student readiness, learning styles and interests. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to analyze actual videos of differentiated instruction in real classrooms. Although an introduction to differentiation will be provided, prior reading on the subject will allow the group to proceed to the discussion of implementation more rapidly.

Aspiring Superintendents
February 17, 8:45 am-4:00 pm
Location: LCC West
This program will provide the most recent information, professional advice and proven strategies for those aspiring to the Superintendency. A cadre of experienced administrators from across the State will be sharing important information and posing significant questions to help participants decide whether this is a career path to pursue.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

SB-CEUs
SB-CEUs will be offered pending approval. In order to receive credit, you must be on time, stay until the end of the program, and complete an online evaluation.

Math Summit
March 30, 2009
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center
East Lansing, MI

School Improvement Framework Conference
April 22-23, 2009
Rock Financial Showplace, Novi

Educational Technology Leadership Conference
June 22-23, 2009
Holt High School, Holt
Call for presenters coming this month.

Michigan Department of Education
Homeless Education Conference 2009
September 14-15, 2009
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center
East Lansing, MI