March 27, 2007

Dear Superintendent:

We invite you and your colleagues to attend the Summer Institute for Superintendents sponsored by Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. The Institute is scheduled from Wednesday, June 27, to Friday, June 29, 2007, at the Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan. 

Our theme for this year is Changing Instruction; Changing Schools.  Among the presenters is Dr. Susan Sclafani, Managing Director of the Chartwell Education Group and former Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education. Dr. Sclafani is principal author of “Tough Times, Tough Choices,” a report on the skills needed in the American work force. We will also hear from Dr. Nancy Songer, Professor of Science Education and Learning Technologies at the University of Michigan, who has worked to improve science learning in the Detroit Public Schools. And as always, we are pleased to have Dr. William Schmidt of Michigan State, who continues his extensive work with assessment-based math and science teaching. Dr. Tony Wagner, co-chair of the Change Leadership Group at Harvard University, will be with us to talk about his efforts with superintendents to transform and re-invent America’s schools through improved instructional leadership.

Along with presentations, there will be multiple opportunities for the participants to engage in discussions, share perspectives, ask and answer questions, and address central issues as they impact participants’ districts.  Time will be provided for small group meetings to enable ISDs and groups of individuals to reflect on what they have heard and set next year’s goals.

We are well aware of schools’ financial issues and have tried to keep the price as low as possible. The registration fee for this year’s institute is $995 per participant, which includes housing, materials, meals and events.  Graduate credit is available from both institutions.   Families are welcome to join at participant’s expense.

We hope to see you in June. For additional information, please contact Dr. Barbara Markle of Michigan State at (517) 353-8950.

Sincerely,

Philip Cusick
Professor & Chair
MSU

Barbara Markle
Assistant Dean
MSU

Laura Roop
Director
U of M

Roger Goddard
Associate Professor
U of M