Governor's Council on Educator Effectiveness Announces First Meeting

Dennis Schornack
517-241-5597 or schornackd@michigan.gov

LANSING, Mich. - The Governor's Council on Educator Effectiveness will hold its first public meeting on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm in Rooms 402-403 of the Capitol Building. 

Public Act No. 102 of 2011 created the Council as a two-year temporary agency, staffed and supported by the Governor's office, and charged with preparing a report by April 30, 2012 that will recommend:

- A student growth and assessment tool;
- A state evaluation tool for teachers;
- A state evaluation tool for school administrators;
- Changes to the requirements for a professional education teaching certificate; and
- A process for evaluating and approving local evaluation tools for teachers and administrators.

The Council will hear from approximately a dozen invited speakers who were actively engaged in the discussion of the teacher tenure reforms that led to the Council's establishment this past spring. There will also be a limited amount of time permitted for public comment at the end of the meeting.

"The Council is ready to take on this significant charge," said Deborah Loewenberg Ball, dean of the University of Michigan School of Education and chair of the Council.  "This is an important opportunity to contribute in responsible ways to improve the quality of education in Michigan."

The Council has five voting members, three of whom were appointed by Governor Snyder, and one each by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and Speaker of the House Jase Bolger. In addition to Deborah Loewenberg Ball, Governor Snyder appointed Mark Reckase from Michigan State University's College of Education and Nick Sheltrown from National Heritage Academics in Grand Rapids. Majority Leader Richardville appointed David Vensel, a principal from Jefferson High School in Monroe, and Speaker Bolger appointed Jennifer Hammond, a principal from Grand Blanc High School. Joseph Martineau serves on the Council as a non-voting member and is the designee of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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